OXFORD — Chabad Jewish Center of Oxford is thrilled to invite the community to join in the joyous celebrations of Chanukah this holiday season. With events planned in Oxford, Seymour, and Beacon Falls, this year’s Chanukah promises to be a truly memorable one.
The Festival of Chanukah, which takes place this year from nightfall Dec. 7 through Dec. 15, commemorates the miraculous victory of a small group of Jewish warriors, known as the Maccabees, against the mighty Greek army, as well as the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem in the second century B.C. The central symbol of the holiday is the menorah, a nine-branched candelabra, which is lit each night for the eight nights of the holiday.
To mark the holiday, Chabad is organizing a series of community-wide celebrations and menorah lightings in Oxford, Seymour, and Beacon Falls. These events aim to bring people of all ages and backgrounds together to celebrate the universal message of light overcoming darkness.
The festivities will kick off with the Grand Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Quarry Walk in Oxford, where a giant menorah will be kindled, spreading the warmth and light of Chanukah throughout the community. Attendees will have the opportunity to join in the lighting of the menorah, sing traditional Chanukah songs, and enjoy delicious holiday treats including latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) adding to the festive atmosphere.
Rabbi Shmaya Hecht, co director of Chabad Jewish Center of Oxford, expressed his excitement about the upcoming celebrations, saying, “Chanukah is a time when we come together as a community to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness. We invite everyone to join us in spreading the light of Chanukah and experiencing the warmth and joy of this beautiful holiday.”
The Chanukah Celebrations and Menorah Lightings in Oxford, Seymour, and Beacon Falls will take place on the following dates:
- Thursday Dec. 7, 5PM at Quarry Walk 300 Oxford Rd. Oxford
- Sunday Dec. 10, 5:30PM at Broad Street Park, 46 Broad St. Seymour
- Tuesday Dec. 12, 5:30PM at Beacon Falls Town Hall 10 Maple Ave. Beacon Falls
- Wednesday Dec 13, 5:30PM at Oxford Town Hall 486 Oxford Rd. Oxford
For more information about the Chanukah Celebrations and Menorah Lightings, please visit www.cjcoxford.org/celebratechanukah or call 203 – 514-0622.
