Vaughan celebrates the Festival of Lights

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Vaughan celebrates the Festival of Lights

12/10/2020 10:00 AM

City’s annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony goes virtual this year

The City of Vaughan’s annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony is going virtual this year due to COVID-19. To mark the first night of Chanukah, the City will be live streaming the event today at 4:30 p.m. from Vaughan City Hall. The festivities are not open to the public, but residents are encouraged to watch and embrace the celebration online at vaughan.ca/festive from the comfort and safety of home.

Rabbi Mendel Kaplan, founder and spiritual leader of Chabad Flamingo, will preside over the ceremony and will be joined by Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council.

Chanukah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is observed over an eight-day period each year by people of the Jewish faith to commemorate the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the second century BC. The festival is marked by lighting the menorah, which is the most recognizable symbol of the occasion.

QUOTE

“Today at sunset, Jewish families in Vaughan and beyond will welcome the beginning of Chanukah. Known as the Festival of Lights, Chanukah is a story of faith and the triumph of good over evil. The City’s annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony is one of the many ways we demonstrate our commitment to ensuring an inclusive and welcoming community – one that embraces all the diverse faiths and customs of our residents. While this year may be slightly different from those of the past, we must continue to connect virtually with loved ones, count our blessings and remain hopeful for the future. Let us take this opportunity to honour and recognize the strength and enduring contributions Jewish-Canadians have made – and continue to make – here in Vaughan and around the world. I wish everyone celebrating a blessed and peaceful Chanukah. Chag Chanukah Sameach!”

- Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua

QUICK FACTS

Chanukah is an eight-day holiday celebrated each year by people of the Jewish faith. It is observed to commemorate the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem.
The candles used on the menorah are admired during the holiday and are not used for any other purpose. Placement of the menorah is usually near a window, providing people on the outside an opportunity to share in blessings of the lights. The flame of the candle burns each night and serves as a time for reflection and to give thanks.
The menorah, or holiday candelabra, is the most recognizable symbol of Chanukah and serves as a symbol of light and life.
This year, the City of Vaughan has pivoted to offer many events online that are known and loved by residents to ensure the safety and well-being of the community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier this year, the City held its first virtual Vaughan Celebrates Canada Day, featuring Barenaked Ladies; hosted the 26th annual Vaughan Celebrates Concerts in the Park series virtually; expanded the Vaughan Culture Days celebration with a month of online activities and programs; honoured soldiers and veterans who sacrificed for our freedom with a virtual Remembrance Day ceremony; and celebrated the lighting of the Christmas tree at City Hall online . Thousands of people joined in online from Vaughan and beyond to enjoy and participate in these and other City events.
To stay up to date on the latest updates as they happen, residents are encouraged to sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels.

LEARN MORE

Menorah Lighting webpage
City of Vaughan’s COVID-19 webpage

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