Sault to hold first-ever public menorah-lighting

Thursday’s event will mark a significant shift for the Sault’s Jewish community, which until now has avoided the public (and sometimes huge) Hanukkah displays common in many other cities

The menorah is the eight-branched candelabrum used in the ancient Second Temple in Jerusalem

The Ronald A. Irwin Civic Centre will host Sault Ste. Marie's first-ever public menorah-lighting this week, Congregation Beth Jacob synagogue announced today.

The event is planned for 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7.

"The world feels like a scary place for Jewish people right now," says congregation president Tova Arbus, who suggested the Hanukkah celebration to Mayor Matthew Shoemaker, who agreed to organize it.

"The alarming increase in antisemitism has left many feeling like they need to hide their Jewishness," Arbus told SooToday.

"Rather than deal with this head-on, many cities have chosen to cancel their public menorah lightings this year. In spite of this, our city chooses to stand up to hate and fear, hosting the very first public menorah lighting in Sault Ste. Marie."

Also known as the Festival of Lights or the Feast of Dedication, Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 164 BCE.

This year, it runs from Dec. 7 to Dec. 15.

A large part of Hanukkah activity takes place privately in Jewish homes, including a nightly lighting of the menorah, an eight-branched candelabrum that's placed in a doorway or window.

In recent years, many Hanukkah celebrations have become community events with massive menorahs installed outside city halls and legislative buildings, and in malls, parks and other public spaces.

For many, Hanukkah celebrates freedom of religion and liberation from oppression.

Until now, the local Jewish community has avoided large public Hanukkah commemorations

Arbus says Thursday's event will be the first public celebration of its kind in the twin Saults, possibly the first in northern Ontario.

"Though we say blessings over the candles, Hanukkah is not a Jewish religious holy day, but mainly should be understood as a day to honour a long tradition of overcoming persecution and celebrating our Jewish ancestry, heritage, and our community," adds her father Jeff Arbus, an active member of Congregation Beth Jacob and well-known community activist.