A small group gathered together for the lighting of the Menorah of Freedom at dusk Thursday, the fifth day of Chanukah.
The kindling ceremony was held in a grassy field close to 53rd Street and Utica Ridge Road in Davenport. The bright light of the electrical candles glowed a greeting to vehicles traveling past.
Rabbi Shneur Cadaner of Chabad Lubavitch of the Quad-Cities led the service. The rabbi and his wife, Chana Cadaner, moved to Davenport six months ago. The intent of the Chabad Lubavitch movement or philosophy is to introduce people to Judaism, he said. The movement was born in Russia about 250 years ago and is observed in many corners of the world.
“The mission we’re here for is we don’t try and look at people’s backgrounds. We try to bring Judaism to everyone,” Rabbi Cadaner said. “People should know Judaism can be fun.”
The children helped light the candles of a smaller menorah using a shamash, or helper candle. Chanukah started at sunset Dec. 25 and ends Monday.
“I’d like to share a few words about Chanukah. We actually celebrate Chanukah by the lighting of the candles,” he said.
The story of the holiday goes back to a small group of Jews who fought and won a battle with their Greek oppressors. The group was preparing to celebrate their victory in the temple in Jerusalem when they discovered there only was enough oil to keep the menorah burning for a single night.
A miracle happened when the oil lasted for eight days, he said.
He urged the families to show acts of kindness and goodness to others even though the past year has held many dark events. “By adding good deeds, we can change the world. We can transform the darkness into light,” he said.
After the service, people enjoyed traditional treats of latkes (potato pancakes), doughnuts, chocolate gelt and Chanukah songs of “I Have a Little Dreidel,” and “Oy Chanukah,” played by keyboardist Ron Madow of Bettendorf.
“It’s really nice to share this openly with the community at large,” said Helen Weindruch of Bettendorf who attended with her husband and children. “The whole atmosphere is wonderful.”
Her son, Archie Weindruch, 9, loves nibbling on chocolate gelt coins. He has a deep appreciation for the celebration. “You get to light the menorah, play dreidel, be with family and have guests over at your house,” he said.
Rabbi Cadaner and his wife are slowly lighting candles of relationship with others in the community. They do not hold formal services yet, but they like sharing Friday night meals with friends.
For more information about Chabad, go to www.chabadquadcities.com or call (563) 355-1065.
The city desk can be contacted at
(563) 383-2245 or newsroom@qctimes.com.
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