CARLSBAD, Calif. — Tonight marks the first night of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights holiday, with its eight days of celebration.
Hanukkah, which is Hebrew for "Dedication," is one of the most popular Jewish religious observances.
As the pain from the Israel-Hamas war continues, local rabbis see the menorah as a way to shed light on their faith during Hanukkah.
“Adding light, that's going to be that's going to be what wins the battle, they're hiding in the dark, we're going to bring light and shine light on it. And that's going to make the evil go away,” said Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort, Chabad at La Costa.
Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the second temple of Jerusalem in 164 B.C. The eight-day duration is a commemoration of the miracle of oil in the temple. It's said there was only enough oil to last one day, but it miraculously lasted eight.
“This year in particular, it feels like the Jewish people are rededicating themselves,” said Eilfort.
The rabbi sees the holiday as a way to help heal during a time when the US faces a rise in acts of antisemitism.
“We need the joyousness of this holiday we are going to be happy doggone it, no matter what happens. We're going to be happy we're going to soldier on,” said Eilfort.
He also sees the flame from the candles as a symbol to unite the community during a time of adversity.
“There's been an awakening. And we've had tremendous outreach from our neighbors Jewish, who've asked what they can do to support us, they've asked to take a menorah that they can light it in solidarity with the Jewish people, and we love it. Yes, of course,” said Eilfort.
That power of light during Hanukkah can be seen as a symbol of strength and resilience.
“It’s about bringing the light to the world lighting up the darkness on the street, transforming it. Everyone has a part to play, everyone,” said Eilfort.
San Diego State Chabad Jewish Student life held a Rally for the Light event for the lighting of the menorah. They want to celebrate and demonstrate its unwavering spirit against the acts of antisemitism they continue to face on and off campus.
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