UTICA, N.Y. — A public menorah lighting ceremony took place in Utica to celebrate the beginning of Hanukkah.
The event occurred at the corner of Genesee and Lafayette Streets in Lafayette Square. Utica Mayor Michael Galime joined Rabbi Levi Charitonow for the ceremony. In light of the attack against Jews celebrating Hanukkah in Australia, there was a noticeable presence of Utica police officers.
Rabbi Charitonow said, “It’s even more important because being such a tragedy we can’t just let them win by bringing darkness. The light has to triumph and be victorious.”
The lighting of the menorah symbolizes the start of the eight-day Festival of Lights. The candles will continue to be lit over the next eight days.
Menorah lighting to celebrate the beginning of hanukkah