Lighting of menorah moved to Heritage Park
Posted Dec 10, 2020 2:32 pm.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Jews across Canada and here in Calgary are finding creative ways to safely observe Hanukkah during the pandemic.
The festival of lights begins at sundown on Thursday and would normally include the lighting of the menorah at City Hall, but this year it was been moved to an 18-foot menorah at Heritage Park.
Rabbi Menachem Matusof of Chabad Lubavitch of Alberta says they have adapted due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“Today we’re going to do something unique. Everyone in their own home is going to light their menorah simultaneously as we will light the menorah at Heritage Park along 14 Street, which is the regional, giant menorah that we created 32 years ago.”
Matusof says they are making sure the ceremony aligns with the new restrictions on outdoor gatherings.
“That’s where the first community lighting took place 32 years ago. Today we’re going to light it there with just a handful of lighters and broadcasters.”
The lighting gets going at 5:30 pm.
