GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Chabad of Hall County hosted a public menorah lighting ceremony Sunday evening on the Gainesville Square, marking the first night of Chanukah and drawing community members together for a celebration centered on faith, unity and resilience.
Rabbi Nechemia Gurewitz led the lighting as families gathered to observe the start of the Jewish Festival of Lights. The event included traditional foods, music and activities for children and was free and open to the public. State Rep. Brent Cox joined Gurewitz for the ceremony.
The celebration came amid heightened awareness and security following an antisemitic attack earlier that day in Australia. In a statement shared on social media before the event, Chabad of Hall County said it would dedicate the menorah lighting to the memory of victims killed in the attack and emphasized the importance of standing visibly and peacefully in response to hatred.
Organizers said they coordinated closely with the city of Gainesville and the Gainesville Police Department to ensure a safe environment for attendees. Police were present on the square during the ceremony.
Chanukah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and is observed for eight nights. The lighting of the menorah is a central tradition of the holiday, symbolizing hope and perseverance.
Chabad of Hall County invited the broader community to attend the ceremony as a show of solidarity and support, emphasizing that the event was meant to celebrate the holiday while affirming shared values of safety, freedom and respect.
