Celebrating Hanukkah in Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- December 25 is not lone Christmas Day but besides the commencement of Hanukkah this year.

Jewish radical astir the satellite volition beryllium celebrating the festival of lights.

Local Rabbi Levy Zirkind and his wife, Chanie, from the Chabad of the Central Valley, accidental they look guardant to Hanukah and the connection it carries.

"We similar to airy up the candles astatine sunset to brighten up the world, and it's much than to brighten up the world; the connection is to brighten up the darkness," said Rabbi Zirkind.

Hanukkah celebrates the Maccabees' triumph implicit the Syrians and the re-dedication of the 2nd temple of Jerusalem astir 165 B.C.

For 8 days, 1 candle connected the menorah is lit each evening to commemorate the occurrence of the lipid successful the temple.

It is said determination was lone capable lipid to past 1 day, but it lasted eight.

At the Chabad of the Central Valley, their menorah is ready.

"Over here, we person our menorah, olive oil, and lipid from Israel that we tin use," said Chanie Zirkind.

Their menorah extracurricular is ready, too, sending a meaningful connection to anyone who drives by and sees it.

"Happy Hanukah! Let america each unrecorded successful bid and harmony and support enlightening and brightening each other's lives," said Chanie Zirkind.

One antheral stopped by the halfway successful Northeast Fresno this day to prime up a menorah.

He says this volition beryllium the archetypal clip helium partakes successful Hanukah, honoring his mother's Jewish background.

"For the past fewer years, I person been looking into this, but I yet contacted the Chabad and came down due to the fact that I wanted to get started," said John Madelon.

A commemoration and contented Rabbi Levy says anyone should person the state to experience.

"Thank God we unrecorded successful America, a peaceful state wherever everyone is allowed to signifier their religion," said Rabbi Zirkind.

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