Journal & Topics Media Group

Rohr Chabad Hosts Annual Menorah Lighting


Rabbi Yishaya Benjaminson addresses those attending the menorah lighting at Glenview Village Hall. Attorney Ed Wittenstein stands beside him.

Chabad’s Giant Menorah Lighting kindled not only Chanukah candles, but a promise to remember the miracle of finding pure olive oil for the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem in the year 139 BCE.

Fifty people attended the menorah lighting outside Glenview Village Hall at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12. Participants sang Chanukah songs, listened to speakers, passed out latkes (potato pancakes), gave Chanukah gelt (chocolate money) and danced around the menorah, said Rabbi Yishaya Benjaminson.

The Rohr Chabad Center of Glenview, 701 Harlem Ave., applied for use of a designated public space for religious or non-religious use outside village hall. A village’s official resolution was adopted in 2004 regarding displaying of symbols in the temporary forum area located along East Lake Avenue. The displays are paid for by the individuals or groups.

The center offers the historical meaning behind the miracle and why Jewish families light the menorah. The following excerpt is taken from “The Complete Story of Chanukah” by Dr. Nissan Mindel:

Jewish families gather near the menorah to sing Chanukah songs.

“The 3rd Day of Chanukah Miracle (139 BCE): On the 25th of Kislev in the year 3622 from creation, the Maccabees liberated the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, after defeating the vastly more numerous and powerful armies of the Syrian-Greek king Antiochus IV, who had tried to forcefully uproot the beliefs and practices of Judaism from the people of Israel. The victorious Jews repaired, cleansed and rededicated the Temple to the service of G-d. But all the Temple’s oil had been defiled by the pagan invaders; when the Jews sought to light the Temple’s menorah (candelabra), they found only one small cruse of ritually pure olive oil. Miraculously, the one-day supply burned for eight days, until new, pure oil could be obtained. In commemoration, the Sages instituted the 8-day festival of Chanukah, on which lights are kindled nightly to recall and publicize the miracle.”

Debby Karton, Glenview village trustee, and attorney Ed Wittenstein helped light candles on the menorah.

“It’s important to take the message of Chanukah home and illuminate your home with candles after sunset,” said Rabbi Benjaminson.

Support local news by subscribing to the Journal & Topics in print or online.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.