GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — Hanukkah is all about bringing light to the darkness.
It's something that's become increasingly important to the Jewish community, during the rise of anti-Semitism across the globe, and the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel.
The annual lighting of the giant menorah at Calder Plaza, downtown helped bring some of that light Thursday night.
A candle on the menorah will be lit every night until Dec. 14, the eighth night of Hanukkah.
Rabbi Yosef Weingarten, the director of the Chabad House of Western Michigan, explained how this years Hanukkah may be a little different than others.
"The idea of bringing light over darkness, nobody should be able to say at October 7 was something to celebrate, God forbid," said Rabbi Weingarten. "By us lighting up, bringing light and goodness and kindness to the Jewish people and to the entire world, people become a little lit up with joy and happiness, and with good things."
According to the Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids, the outside of the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Downtown Grand Rapids is also lit up in the colors of the Israeli flag this week.
The rest of the weeks menorah lighting dates and times are as follows:
- Night Two - Dec. 8 at 3 p.m.
- Night Three - Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.
- Night Four - Dec. 10 at 5 p.m.
- Night Five - Dec. 11 at 5 p.m.
- Night Six - Dec. 12 at 5 p.m.
- Night Seven - Dec. 13 at 5 p.m.
- Night Eight - Dec. 14 at 5 p.m.
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