Lighting up the world – right here at home

The event began as the few hundred people who gathered listened to Chabad of the Delta Rabbi Peretz Goldshmid describe the importance of Chanukah and its affirmation of Jewish pride.

“On Chanukah, we reaffirm our Jewish pride as we light the world at home and in public.” he said. “We let the world know and remind ourselves of the miracle of the victory of the few over many, who desired and attempted to squash the possibility of religious freedom.”

Local dignitaries, including Brentwood Mayor Joel Bryant, City Manager Tim Ogden, Vice Mayor Susannah Meyer and City Council members Tony Oerlemans and Jovita Mendoza, joined the gathering.

Bryant emphasized the importance of celebrating light, and that Brentwood welcomes anyone from the Jewish community with open arms.

“Chanukah is the celebration of the miracle of lights. And if you are paying attention to what’s going on in the world, around the world, we need light more than we ever have in our homes, in our families and in our community,” he said.

Rabbi Peretz Goldshmid then lit the first candle of the menorah after sunset, citing the importance of being positive and bringing more light into the world every day during Chanukah, along with the sharing of light throughout the crowd.

Mashie Goldshmid, program director at Chabad of the Delta, said she believes that their annual Chanukah festival shows the pride and resilience of the local Jewish community “It is incredible to be involved with the local Jewish community that is truly thriving, with numerous classes, holiday and community programs, and volunteers who generously help the elderly and homebound throughout the year,” she said.

“However, the most inspiring aspect of the community is the powerful sense of unity and pride exhibited when everyone comes together to celebrate Chanukah at the public festival. This celebration is like a modern-day miracle, reminding us of the strength and resilience of the Jewish people,” she said.

An original Chanukah rap was performed by Brentwood music teacher Aaron Smith, and the event featured Chanukah doughnuts and latkes, “guess the weight” Challah bread, along with crafts and a collaborative painting led by artist Andrew Swartz. The painting will be featured in the Delta Art Gallery at the Streets of Brentwood.