By Samantha Drumm
Hometown Weekly Reporter
On Wednesday, December 17, an hour after the sun had set in the darkest part of the year, members of Needham’s community gathered at Town Hall for the lighting of a striking ice menorah. Constructed entirely from blocks of ice that same day, the menorah was a sharp contrast to the flame featured in the community’s Chanukkah festivities.
Families and friends gathered not only to celebrate the palpable joy of the holiday season, but to honor the victims of the recent anti-semitic shooting in Australia.
“It’s really possible that the community came out because of what occurred in Australia," comments Rabbi Mendy Krinsky. “It’s wonderful to see the community stand up to the darkness of anti-semitism, and show up for a holiday that’s about bringing light to the world.”
A somber commencement remembering those who lost their lives did not impede the later festivities. Needham’s Jewish community shared a solemn yet celebratory strength, commemorating the holiday with song, prayer, dance, gelt, and, of course, the ritual lighting of the menorah.
The Chabad Jewish Center, which hosted the gathering to celebrate the 8-day holiday, is grateful for the strong turnout, the town of Needham for allowing them to host this annual event, and to the Needham Police Department for ensuring a secure and safe place for the community to worship.
