The public is invited to the Shaar Hashomayim Synagogue's public menorah lighting, taking place at Tom Davies Square on December 27 at 4:45 p.m
All of Sudbury is invited to the Shaar Hashomayim Synagogue Menorah Lighting, taking place at Tom Davies Square on December 27 at 4:45 p.m
Shaar Hashomayim is an independent, community-run synagogue in Sudbury, 158 John St.
Their website says they strive to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a meaningful, inspiring and participatory prayer experience.
“We welcome Jews of all denominations and non-denominational,” it says. “We also welcome members of other faith communities and are actively involved in the interfaith community in Sudbury.”
In Hebrew, the word menorah means “lamp.”
The ancient menorah dates from the time when the Jewish people were told by an emperor that they were not allowed to practice their religion.
The menorah had seven branches – one for each day – and it burned in the temple in what was then Judea, a small area that was in the middle of the conflict between the Egyptian Empire and the Greco-Assyrian Empire.
Jewish belief holds that one day's supply of oil miraculously lasted for eight days.
For this reason, the Hanukkah menorah, also called “Hanukkah,” has nine candles: one for each of the eight days and one to light the remaining days.
To celebrate the eight days of Hanukkah, an additional oil wick or candle is lit each evening.
You can find more information about menorah lighting here.