Come on baby, light my menorah

By Auditi Guha/ Staff Writer
Friday, December 30, 2005

Residents enjoyed traditional latkes and jelly doughnuts at a menorah-lighting event in the Reilly Memorial Rink last Wednesday, as Brighton celebrated Hanukkah; the event was sponsored by local Chabad groups.
Families skated around a giant menorah, the nine-branched candelabrum used in celebration of Hanukkah, which was officially lit amid much celebration by residents in Cleveland Circle.
"The menorah lighting was organized for the first time in Cleveland Circle for the whole community," said Tatyana Krivolukskaya from the Shaloh House Jewish Day School on Chestnut Hill Avenue.
Chabads from Brookline and Newton helped organize the event with "Hanukkah on Ice" for area families, as well as sand art and painting for those who did not want to skate.
"It symbolizes the sharing of light with friends, neighbors and family," said Rabbi Mayshe Schwartz from the Chabad Chai Center of Brookline. "What greater way of sharing it with the community than to have a menorah lighting at Cleveland Circle?"
The event ran 3 to 5 p.m. with food, fun and games; District City Councilor Jerry McDermott of Brighton was given the honor of opening the event.
"With school out for Christmas, there is really no place for kids to hang out and identify as Jews," Schwartz said. "This was a fun event for kids and family. It gave them an opportunity to come out and enjoy Hanukkah."