ELK GROVE, Calif. — The community gathered together in Elk Grove Sunday evening to celebrate the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. The event included food, activities for the whole family and a nine-foot tall menorah.
The event was hosted by the Chabad of Elk Grove and the City.
"The message of Hanukkah is that one small light can push away a lot of darkness, so there is darkness but we all have light to share," said Rabbi Chaim Groner.
Everyone has their favorite part of the festival.
"I think being with family, brings us together," Jenice Correia said.
Organizers also gave out latkes and donuts at the event.
This is the second year of the free event. Rabbi Groner said putting on events like this is now more important than ever, noting a rise in antisemitism.
The holiday comes as the war between Israel and Hamas continues, now passing the two-month mark.
“There's a tradition to light the menorah by the window to show the public. This year, a lot of Jewish homes are lighting inside, people are hiding their Jewish necklaces, leaving their kippah at home. People are scared to be Jewish in public again, and that's why this year it's more important than ever to be proud that we're Jewish and celebrate this beautiful holiday for the world to see,” said Groner.
Hanukkah continues through Dec. 15.
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