On Dec. 18, Bradford West Gwillimbury’s seventh annual Grand Hannukah Celebration and public Menorah lighting took place.
The event, organized by the Chabad Jewish Centre of Bradford, was held at the old Bradford community centre on Simcoe Road.
Deputy Mayor Raj Sandhu and Coun. Jonathan Scott, Nickolas Harper, Cheraldean Duhaney, and Joseph Giordano were part of the 150-person crowd participating in the event.
The Shamash candle (the tall candle, used to light the rest of the Menorah) was kindled by Sandhu. Afterwards, Adam Nikbakht recited the three blessings and kindled the first light.
Rabbi Yosef Y Nakkar of Chabad Jewish Centre of Bradford spoke about the significance of Hannukah in this special year of Hakhel — Jewish unity.
“This is a gathering in which we all unite together on strengthening ourselves and those around us in belief and trust in God almighty and in increasing acts of goodness and kindness,” he said.
Sandhu and council brought greetings from the Town of Bradford and spoke about how special it is to be united together for a good cause like increasing light.
“The crowd enjoyed yummy Hannukah donuts, known in Hebrew as Sufganiyot and hot potato Hannukah Latkes with the background of lively Hannukah music,” said Rabbi Yosef Y Nakkar.
“Every child was given a Hannukah gift package which included a chocolate Hannukah Gelt coin, a spinning Hannukah Dreidel and a small booklet of Torah passages. Hannukah Menorahs were available for everyone to take.”
The children in attendance enjoyed a bubble show while adults also entered raffles for a Hannukah Menorah and a set of Shabbat candle sticks.
“Like every year during Hannukah,” said Nakkar, “standing outside Bradford's courthouse is the 9 feet tall Menorah with an additional light shining each night, giving over the message that if only a little bit of light pushes away lots of darkness how much more so lots of light!”