Evening skies were clear for the annual Menorah Lighting and Hanukkah Celebration began on Dec. 19 at Fountain Square in downtown Evanston.
The Monday event along Davis Street at Sherman and Orrington Avenues was sponsored by Tannenbaum Chabad House. Evanston’s menorah is one of more than 15,000 large public menorahs sponsored by Chabad in more than 100 countries around the world, according to the city’s website.
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The celebration included a LED stilt walker robot dancer and Hanukkah sweets. Complimentary custard filled and chocolate frosted doughnuts were distributed by young adults who moved around the illuminated square offering the treats personally to attendees.
This year Hanukkah began on Dec. 18 and ends on Monday, Dec. 26.
Rabbi Dov Hillel Klein of Evanston, executive director of Lubavitch-Chabad of Evanston, participated in a circle of dance as people began filling Fountain Square where festive music likely also drew in curious spectators for the free occasion.
As people were gathered to light the menorahs, “We are celebrating peace. We’re celebrating comfort. We’re celebrating love. We’re celebrating embracing each other,” Klein said. “That is what Hanukkah is really about. We’re celebrating our future. We’re celebrating our hopes. We’re celebrating our dreams. We’re celebrating education of our children.”
A small covered menorah on a table was featured with real candle flames. The large menorah was illuminated by local dignitaries including Illinois State Sen. Laura Fine of Glenview who was among speakers addressing people of all ages.
“Our future is bright because of this next generation,” Fine told the audience, adding that, “It’s the diversity that makes us stronger.”
Twins Johann and Karis Roh, 4, of Evanston were accompanied by their grandfather Eliezer Tendero, also of Evanston.
Tendero responded to the call for peace at Hanukkah with the message that a little light can dispel a lot of darkness, something Tendero hopes to instill in the presence of grandchildren and others.
“If there is one thing that can dispel darkness, without shouting,” Tendero said, “is light.”
Jayzie Fischer, 7, a first-grader from Evanston, was in the audience with parents Jordan and Deena Fischer.
Jordan Fischer hoped Jayzie would leave with a sense of, “community and exposure to the type of place that Evanston is.”
“That Evanston lights the Hanukkah menorah in public is a wonderful thing,” Deena Fischer said.
Laura Fine extended gratitude to those present.
“All I can do is thank this community so much for being so welcoming and so warm for the diversity that we have and that we cherish,” Fine said. “Happy Hanukkah everybody and thank you.”
Karie Angell Luc is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.