'Reinforces our faith': Chabad of Panama City Beach lights Grand Menorah at Pier Park

PANAMA CITY BEACH − The sights and sounds celebration bellowed from Pier Park on Thursday to ring in the start of Hanukkah.

With more than 150 people in attendance, the Chabad of Panama City Beach held its annual Grand Menorah Lighting event on Thursday evening at the park near the Grand Theatre. The event had live music, traditional Jewish food and the lighting of a 12-foot-tall menorah.

"We're very happy to see the support from the local community," Rabbi Mendel Havlin said. "Hanukkah specifically focuses on (the) spirit of the soul. ... No matter what, we have to show the light. We have to spread the light. We have to spread the love (and) we have to spread kindness to the world.

"This is why it is very important for everybody to come (together) and celebrate."

Mendel said this year's event was dedicated to the release of hostages and peace in Israel. He lit a giant menorah with the help of Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford, who also spoke during the ceremony.

Ford said it's important for local residents to feel safe and secure while practicing their religious beliefs − a right he said his deputies will always protect.

"Bay County Sheriff's Office stands as a shield committed to upholding your rights and protecting your ability to embrace and celebrate the culture and traditions without fear," Ford said at the event. "As we kindle the menorah's flames tonight, let its glow serve as a beacon of hope, unity and unwavering support.

"Let it remind us of the strengths found in our collective bond, fostering a community where safety, respect and understanding prevails."

Local residents who attended the event included Norma Neyman of Panama City Beach and her daughter, Vicky Curtis of Panama City. The two said while they have lived in the area for only about two years, the Grand Menorah Lighting event has quickly become a family tradition.

'Faith, hope and unity': Chabad of PCB hosts third annual Grand Menorah Lighting Event

"It brings the community together," Neyman said. "It's a time to celebrate. It reinforces our faith in the Jewish religion."

"There's a lot of new people around this area who don't know about it and might be interested, especially with the things that are going on in the news and in the world," Curtis added.

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Chabad of Panama City Beach holds Grand Menorah Lighting at Pier Park