The lighting of candles tonight marks the beginning of Hanukkah, also known as the Jewish “Festival of Lights.”
Today, the first candle of the menorah will be lit, and special festivals are happening across the community, including downtown Fort Myers.
The event is happening from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Common Ground Pocket Park.
Tonight’s event is the first-ever menorah lighting in downtown Fort Myers. Each night of Hanukkah, from the 14th to the 22nd, neighbors are invited to join local dignitaries for the symbolic lighting of all eight candles.
On the 21st, there will be a grand eighth-night ceremony to see all candles lit at the same time.
This is the first time a public menorah will stand in downtown Fort Myers. Organizers said it represents Jewish pride, unity, and resilience.
There will also be other Hanukkah events across the community:
Lee County
Temple Beth El Family Hanukkah Celebration — Fort Myers
When: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM, Sunday, December 14Where: Temple Beth El, Fort Myers (16225 Winkler Rd)
Chabad Lubavitch of SWFL, Grand Menorah Lighting & Mini Golf — Fort Myers
When: 3:00 PMÂ Sunday, December 14Where:Â Castle Golf, Fort Myers (7400 Gladiolus Dr)
Chabad Bonita Springs, Estero Chanukah Festival — Estero
When: 4:00 PM Sunday, December 14Where:Â 24611 S. Tamiami Trl, Bonita Springs
Bell Tower Shops Community Menorah Lighting — Fort Myers
When: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Thursday, December 18Where: Bell Tower Shops, Fort Myers (13499 Bell Tower Dr)
Collier County
Chanukah Festival at Cambier Park — Naples
When: 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM Sunday, December 14Where:Â Cambier Park, Naples
Annual Community Wide Hanukkah Celebration — Naples/Mercato
When: 5:00 PM Monday, December 15Where: Mercato, Naples
Charlotte County
Chabad of Charlotte County Chanukah Celebration — Punta Gorda
When: 5:30 PM Sunday, December 14Where: Punta Gorda Community Center (424 W Henry St)Annual Community Wide Hanukkah Celebration
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