Published January 03. 2023 11:04AM
by Dennis Glew Special to the Bethlehem Press
A crowd gathered at Payrow Plaza in the cold early evening Dec. 19 to light Bethlehem’s public menorah. Marking the second night of this year’s celebration of Hanukkah, commonly called the Festival of Lights, the event was given special significance by recent outbursts of antisemitism in Bethlehem, notably at the Dec. 6 city council meeting and Dec. 18 at Christkindlmarkt. The menorah crowd included residents of various faiths – and no faith at all – who came to the event to show support for the Jewish community and repudiate the hate talk.
Organizing the event was Rabbi Iaacov Halperin of Chabad Lubavitch. The fire department supplied its hook and ladder truck so that the menorah could be prepared and then lit by Halperin, who invited Mayor J. William Reynolds to join him.
It was by far the largest crowd the rabbi had ever seen at this event, he said, and he was very grateful for the expression of support. In response, Reynolds emphasized Bethlehem welcomes and supports members of all beliefs and backgrounds.
Press photos by Dennis Glew Shortly before sunset the menorah is readied for the celebration. Rabbi Halperin (center) is joined by his son Zevi (left) and Bethlehem resident Joseph Bernstein.
John Palmer of the Bethlehem Fire Department, assisted by a colleague at the fire truck, approaches the menorah in the truck's basket.
Major J. William Reynolds addresses the crowd about Bethlehem's response to recent episodes of antisemitism.
Rabbi Halperin thanks the Mayor and all those present for their support of the Jewish community.
Accompanied Mayor J. William Reynolds, Rabbi Halperin lights the menorah candles.
Lighted for the second night of Hanukkah, the menorah casts its light over the crowd at City Center.
