Lancaster’s Jewish community along with friends and allies gathered Sunday evening to light a menorah in Penn Square to celebrate the start of Hanukkah.
“We had a great crowd,” said Miriam Baumgartner, board president of the Jewish Community Alliance of Lancaster.
This is the second year for the Penn Square menorah installation. Last year, there was a huge outpouring of community support after the menorah was damaged overnight. The incident raised concerns of vandalism, but a police review of surveilliance footage determined those concerns were unfounded.
This year, the menorah is on a raised platform surrounded by fencing.
Sunday night was chilly and windy. Baumgartner was able to light the first traditional oil lamp on the menorah, but it was difficult, she said, and the light blew out quickly.
Lighting ceremonies will continue daily through Sunday, Dec. 25. They will take place each evening at 5:30 p.m. except for Friday, Dec. 23, when it will be at 4 p.m.
