Chabad of La Jolla celebrates first night of Hanukkah with menorah lighting

by La Jolla Light

Chabad of La Jolla welcomed about 250 people to the first night of Hanukkah with a ceremonial menorah lighting Dec. 14 at the La Valencia Hotel.

A crowd of about 250 people gathers at the La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla on Dec. 14 for the annual menorah lighting. (Provided by Baruch Ezagui)

The holiday traditionally is commemorated by lighting the branches on the menorah one by one each day at sundown for eight days. The La Jolla ceremony was accompanied by music, dancing, singing, food, dreidels, holiday gifts, crafts and more.

Food is served at Chabad of La Jolla's menorah lighting at the La Valencia Hotel to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah. (Provided by Baruch Ezagui) — Food is served at Chabad of La Jolla’s menorah lighting at the La Valencia Hotel to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah. (Provided by Baruch Ezagui)

According to the story of Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukah), an army made up of followers of priest Mattathias Maccabee and his son, Judah, revolted against the Seleucid Empire and reclaimed the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 164 B.C. The army wanted to ritually light the temple’s ceremonial lamp with pure olive oil as part of the rededication but found only enough oil to burn for one day. However, the oil burned for eight days in what was considered a miracle.

Thus, the typical Hanukkah menorah has eight branches, with an additional branch used to light the others.