Festival of Lights!

The Peninsula Jewish Community Center in Foster City on Tuesday held a candle-lighting ceremony commemorating the first night of Hanukkah.

Rabbi Lavey Derby at the led a crowd in a blessing over the Hanukkah candles before preparing to light the first candle.

Hanukkah (Hebrew for “dedication”) commemorates the rededication of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by foreign forces.

Also known as “The Festival of Lights,” Hanukkah celebrates the values of fighting oppression and finding light even during the darkest times. Its central story concerns the miracle of oil used in the rededication ceremony that lasted for eight days when it was expected only to last for one.  

Today Jews celebrate by lighting candles in a menorah every night to commemorate this eight-day miracle. 

The PJCC is holding candle-lighting ceremonies on six of the eight nights (Dec. 20-23, and Dec. 26-28.