Hanukkah celebrations kicked off in Boston with a community gathering to light a menorah, one of New England's tallest, on Boston Common. This annual event, marking its 41st iteration, was organized by Chabad of Downtown Boston and attended by more than a hundred individuals, including local dignitaries, community leaders, and elected officials.
With holidays overlapping this season, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, honored to be present, passed on the lighting duties at the Wednesday event due to her advanced pregnancy. "This is such an important and critical part of what makes Boston, Boston," Mayor Wu told The Boston Globe. Meanwhile, Boston Fire Commissioner Paul F. Burke stepped in to perform the lighting, symbolizing one of the many ways people can bring light into their communities.
Rabbi Yosef Zaklos of Chabad of Downtown Boston emphasized the significance of the menorah's light as a beacon of liberty and positivity against the backdrop of increasing challenges and darkness in the world, particularly with the rise in antisemitism. According to the NBC Boston report, the ceremony carried additional significance with Boston's Jewish community standing in solidarity, despite the troubling times and ongoing conflict in Israel.
Eyal Abadi, who immigrated to the United States from Venezuela 13 years ago, celebrated his first Menorah lighting in Boston. Speaking with The Boston Globe, Abadi reflected on the stark difference in security from his homeland's events, noting the open and welcoming atmosphere in Boston. Following the lighting, he joined in dancing with Jewish students, feeling an instant connection to his community through the festive celebration.
Continuing the tradition each night of Hanukkah, a new candle will be affixed and lit on the Boston Common menorah. This act stands as a testament, as voiced by various community members, to the resilience and joy that are deeply ingrained in the annual Jewish festival of lights.
