Reading will hold its fifth annual Community Hanukkah Menorah Lighting on Sunday, December 6 at 4 p.m. on the Reading Town Common, rain or shine. Dancing, children’s crafts and treats will follow at the First Congregational Church of Reading. The event is free, family-oriented, educational, and inclusive, including an American Sign Language interpreter.
In case of inclement weather, the First Congregational Church of Reading will host the Menorah Lighting in its accessible hall adjacent to the Reading Town Hall, along with the dancing, children’s crafts, latkes, hot chocolate, and sufganiyot (donuts), including allergen-free options.
An outdoor StoryWalk® about Hanukkah will be on display next to the Town Common throughout Hanukkah.
Cantor Beth Levin of Temple Shir Tikvah in Winchester will be leading the program with lots of singing for all involved. The Reading Community Singers will again be lifting our spirits with their beautiful music.
Please bring non-perishable food to donate to the Reading Food Pantry at the event.
“This event reflects the combined efforts of the Reading town government, the Reading Cultural Council, nonprofits, local companies, clergy members and residents,” said Anne Schwartz, coordinator of the Menorah Lighting organizing committee. “We are looking forward to a meaningful and uplifting menorah lighting.”
Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday. It commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean revolt and the miracle of oil, which lasted eight days instead of the expected one day. The word Hanukkah itself means “rededication.” The meaning of Hanukkah is rooted in the ideas of light, especially in dark moments, dedication, and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds, and the power and possibility of miracles. [SOURCE: Exploringjudaism.org]
For more information or to volunteer, contact: Anne Schwartz at: ReadingMenorah@gmail.com
To donate to support this community event, use this QR code, click on the link below, or send a check to the Reading Clergy Association, at the address that follows:
You can also donate by clicking on this link: https://churchofreading.breezechms.com/form/menorah.
Checks can be made out to the Reading Clergy Association with "menorah" in the memo. Mail to:
Reading Clergy Association
c/o Rev Emelia Attridge
25 Woburn St.
Reading, MA 01867
Flyer provided by the Reading Community Menorah Lighting Committee.