Menorah lighting to be held Dec. 1 in Peachtree City

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Chabad of Peachtree City, an Orthodox Jewish congregation, will conduct a menorah lighting at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, on the lawn of the City Hall in Peachtree City.

Rabbi Rossi Lew, spiritual leader of the congregation, said the event will occur during the observance of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, also known as the Feast of Lights and Feast of Dedication.

This year, the eight-day Hanukkah festival will begin this evening (Nov. 27) and will end Thursday evening, Dec. 5. The unique menorah (or candelabrum) used for the holiday has nine branches — the traditional eight branches plus an additional raised branch called a shamash, usually above or below the rest. Its purpose is to have a light available for practical uses for which the ceremonial lights cannot be utilized.

Since Hanukkah is a light-hearted celebration, the event will include music, refreshments and special activities for children. “This is an opportunity to express the pride, the freedom, and the light of every human being,” Lew said.

Chabad’s menorah has been used on a number of occasions, including one when it was mounted on a golf cart. It was built several years ago by Mel Salzman, a retired engineer who is a member of the congregation.