By Jane Keller Gordon, Contributing Writer
Shrewsbury – On the last night of Chanukah, Saturday, Dec. 31, about 40 people gathered to light a nine-foot tall menorah at the Shrewsbury Town Common. This annual public menorah lighting and Chanukah celebration was sponsored by the Chabad of Westborough.
State Rep. Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury) attended with her husband, Shrewsbury Selectman Jim Kane.
She said, “I’m thrilled to be here. I just returned from a legislative trip to Israel.”
Using a long torch, Kane lit the first candle. In spite of a cold wind, Shrewsbury Selectman John Lebeaux lit the rest.
Chabad of Westborough’s Rabbi Michoel Green noted that he found special meaning that the menorah’s eighth and final candle was lit about the same time as the addition of a “leap second” to our clock (at 6:59.59 p.m.).
“The number eight represents infinite, transcending nature. The eight lights of the menorah remind us that our efforts to illuminate the world will succeed in a miraculous way, and that all darkness will be ultimately transformed to good,” he said.
The Chabad provided donuts to celebrate the sweet holiday. Starbucks donated coffee. For more information about the Chabad of Westborough, visit www.chabadwestboro.org.
Photos/courtesy Jeff Narod
