Grand menorah lights up in El Paso as members of Jewish community observe Hanukkah
Dozens attended the lighting of a grand menorah in El Paso as part of a Hanukkah observance Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, at Chabad Lubavitch Center for Jewish Life.
State Rep. Art Fierro helped Rabbi Yisrael Greenberg light the tallest candle known as the Shamash, the center candle of the 10-foot Hanukkah menorah, after Rabbi Levi Greenberg told the history of Hanukkah, which lasts through Monday, Dec. 6.
“The menorah serves as a symbol of El Paso's dedication to preserve and encourage the right and liberty of all its citizens to worship God freely, openly, and with pride," Rabbi Levi Greenberg said in a news release. "This is true especially in America, a nation that was founded upon and vigorously protects the right of every person to practice his or her religion free from restraint and persecution.”
Rabbi Levi Greenberg explained the history in a column for the El Paso Times.
"After several years of unbearable religious persecution, a small group of devout Jews – commonly known as the Maccabees — revolted and miraculously decimated the occupying forces," he said. "When they prepared to rededicate the Holy Temple service of lighting the seven-branched menorah, they found only one night’s supply of ritually pure olive oil and replenishing the supply would take eight days. They lit the menorah and the seven flames miraculously burned for eight days and nights, hence the annual commemoration of this miracle through lighting candles for eight nights."
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Grand menorah lights up El Paso as part of Hanukkah observance
