Hanukkah began Sunday night, and to celebrate, people gathered in front of a large menorah in Willits. They stood together, wishing their friends, family and neighbors ‘happy Hannukah’ while singing blessings and songs.
Rabbi Emily Segal stood next to the menorah and led the group with her guitar as the first candle of the menorah was lit.
She says the community menorah lighting is special because for many years, members of the Jewish community were not comfortable showing their faith publicly.
“And I’m grateful that we feel not just safety, but acceptance and a part of a broader community such that we get to light this big menorah in such a public setting,” Rabbi Segal said.
She says the eight-day holiday is the "celebration of light in a sometimes dark" world.