As Jews all over the world gathered to celebrate Hanukkah, residents of Cranston met inside City Hall along with Rabbi Yossi Laufer of Chabad of West Bay on Monday, Dec. 23, to recite traditional blessings and offer prayers for peace.
“Hanukkah means rededication,” Laufer said during the city’s menorah lighting ceremony. “We must rededicate our lives every year to keep the flames of religious freedom burning. We must teach our children tolerance for all religions. Only then do we have a chance for peace on earth.”
Gathering the crowd around the menorah, he lit the candles along with his son and Mayor Allan Fung.
“It is always a pleasure to welcome everyone to this annual celebration,” Fung said. “Year after year, Rabbi Laufer educates us and gives us a full understanding of Hanukkah.”
Laufer also introduced City Council members Michael Farina and Michael Favicchio.
“I have been attending this ceremony for seven years now,” Farina said. “I feel now more than ever, communities and families need to come together and understand each other’s differences and celebrate their similarities. Being able to celebrate any religious holiday in Cranston is a sign of freedom for everyone.”
Favicchio echoed Farina’s sentiments, except to jokingly add that he has been attending the menorah lighting for nine years.
Once the menorah was lit and all prayers were recited, it was time for a sing-along and dancing.
Laufer presented hand-painted dreidels, or spinning tops, to the mayor and councilmen. Children were treated to an overflowing table of arts and crafts projects, and the event concluded with guests enjoying potato latkes, cookies and sufganiyot, or jelly donuts.
Members of the Jewish community were grateful for the opportunity to celebrate with neighbors.
“It’s important to me as a father to make sure my children learn and experience the celebration of Hanukkah. This was the third menorah lighting we did as a family this Hanukkah. Memories and traditions are made, and as parents we hope that our children will continue the tradition,” said Jason Golditch of Cranston.