Darkness arrives early in December, but it will be a bit brighter on the waterfront late Sunday afternoon.
The Chabad of the South Shore is planning to light a public menorah at Plymouth Rock on Water Street at 5:30 p.m., Dec. 29, followed by a community celebration, marking the fifth night of Hanukkah.
In addition to the lighting, the event will feature “entertainment for all ages including glow in the dark Chanukah-themed accessories, menorah kits, as well as hot drinks and a selection of traditional Hanukkah foods,” the Chabad said in a press release.
The religious organization, which is based at 4 Court St., said there has been “a surge in public displays of the holiday and Jewish identity, with many more families and individuals planning to light their menorahs in visible places, such as their doors or windows.”
Rabbi Levi Lezell, of the Chabad of the South Shore, said the lighting holds special significance this year.
“At this difficult time for the Jewish people, and with challenges facing good people everywhere, this year we are extending ourselves more to celebrate Hanukkah with additional joy and Jewish pride,” he said. “The Menorah and Hanukkah represent freedom of the human spirit, freedom from hate and oppression, and of the victory of good over evil.”
It also marks the 50th anniversary of the first public menorah at the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia in 1974, which was intended “to build awareness and promote observance of Hanukkah.”
In Plymouth, the tradition dates to 2013. The local Chabad said it has since “welcomed the entire community to their menorah lightings at Plymouth Rock and throughout the South Shore, in a display of Jewish pride and a reminder of the importance of freedom of religion for everyone.”
The local menorah is one of more than 15,000 public displays worldwide, according to the Chabad. Others include menorahs outside the White House, at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Great Wall of China, and at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate.
“Lighting the Menorah at Plymouth Rock, represents an inspiring convergence of two esteemed symbols of religious freedom, that we cherish dearly,” Lezell said.
The start of the eight-day Hanukkah observance coincided with Christmas this year and ends on Thursday, Jan 2.
Chabad of the South Shore says it “offers Jewish education, outreach and social service programming for families and individuals of all ages, backgrounds and affiliations.”
Sunday’s menorah lighting and celebration is free and open to the public.
Mark Pothier can be reached at mark@plymouthindependent.org.