Chabad of San Marcos, TXST is hosting the menorah lighting

LOCAL EVENTS

According to Britannica’s website, Hanukkah is an eight-day festival celebrated by Jewish people that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem by lighting candles on each day of the festival. The Chabad of San Marcos and Texas State University hosted a menorah lighting ceremony on Dec. 29 on the grounds of the historic Hays County Courthouse that featured Jewish hymns, candlelight and traditional food.

Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said although he is not Jewish, it is important to participate in religious activities throughout the county to strengthen community ties.

“If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together. “So I thank you for the constant reminder that we are all one people,” Becerra said. “We are all one Hays County and we are all very grateful that our hearts still beat.”

San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson said she was excited to take part in a longstanding tradition among her community members.

“Today, as the Hanukkah candles are lit, I look forward to the shared sense of community and universal enlightenment among those here and around the world this evening,” Hughson said.

Chabad of San Marcos Rabbi Ari Weingarten told the story of Hanukkah, which took place 2,100 years ago when the Jewish people living in Jerusalem were deprived of religious freedom by Syrian-Greek rule.

“There was a small group called the Maccabees…who decided to fight against the great army of the world at that time, the Syrian Greeks. They banded together – a small group (who were outnumbered) – but they were adamant that “we want our freedom.” And they pushed the Syrian-Greek army back from Jerusalem and liberated the Temple, the most sacred space of the Jewish people. “After liberating the temple, they went in to rededicate the temple,” Weingarten said, adding that they only found enough oil to burn the menorah for one day. “They decided, ‘We’re going to do our part.’ We will light the menorah and God will do his part. “We don’t always understand how things will turn out, but we have to do our part.” So they took the oil, filled the candelabra, lit the menorah, and God responded with a miracle that it burned for eight days and to show his love for his people.”

Weingarten pointed out that the fifth day of Hanukkah, when the ceremony took place, was special.

“In the fight against darkness, it happens step by step. When we light the menorah, it symbolizes light over darkness,” Weingarten said. “The fifth night is special because it finally proves that there is more light than darkness.”