This browser does not support the Video element.
Jewish communities across the Bay Area gather for the final night of Hanukkah
Despite recent incidents of vandalism and a divisive war people from the Bay Areas Jewish community says theyre not letting it break their spirits. The community came together on Thursday for the eighth and final night of Hanukkah.
PIEDMONT, Calif. - The Jewish Center for Chabad held a gathering at the Piedmont Community Hall on Thursday, where Rabbi Dovid Labkowski lit a giant menorah to celebrate the 8th night of Hanukkah.
There were latkes, warm drinks, music, and games. Dozens gathered for the celebration.
Earlier this week, the menorah in Oakland was vandalized, but it’s not keeping Jewish folks in the community from celebrating.
"After what happened [two nights ago], this is especially important that we get together and show our pride as we all come together here and show that the hate will not be able to let us down, take us down," said Rabbi Labkowski.
The menorah was meant to replace the one vandalized at Lake Merritt and it will be brought back to Oakland Thursday evening.
Rabbi Labkowski said the organizationas already ordered a new menorah for next year, which will stand at 15 feet in response to the vandalism. "When they tear down one menorah, we come back with 10 more!"
This browser does not support the Video element.
8th night of Hanukkah celebrated despite menorah vandalism in Oakland
The Jewish community came together Thursday for the eighth night of Hanukkah in Piedmont. While the festival of lights has had a more somber feel this year, the Jewish community around the world is finding ways to celebrate. A rabbi from the Jewish Center for the Chabad led the festivities.
A similar message of unity was echoed in Alameda at a Menorah lighting organized by Temple Israel and the Alameda Unified School District.
"It’s incredibly unnerving to feel that animosity directed at my community and my family and me for something that actually has very little do with us, and it feels unnervingly familiar from our history," said Grace Rubenstein, who attended with family.
Some said they initially debated whether or not to attend Thursday's lighting.
"We were not going to let hatred scare us away," said one attendee.
"It’s more important that we are proud of who were are and just show up to be part of the community," said another attendee.