More than 250 community members gathered on Sunday, December 14, to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah at a joyous public menorah lighting filled with warmth, pride, and unity.
[1]Families, friends, and neighbors came together as the towering menorah was lit, marking the beginning of the eight-day Festival of Lights. The atmosphere was filled with excitement when the Alameda Fire Department [2] performed an epic gelt drop, showering the crowd with hundreds of chocolate coins to the delight of children and adults alike.
Attendees enjoyed classic Hanukkah treats, including fresh donuts and crispy latkes, along with arts and crafts activities that kept children engaged throughout the evening. The event was a celebration not only of tradition, but of community spirit and shared joy.
The program featured remarks from Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft [3], who spoke about the importance of community gatherings and celebrating Alameda’s diversity, and Evan Ackiron, Special Assistant to California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who shared words of support and solidarity.
Rabbi Meir Shmotkin, Director of Chabad of Alameda, closed with a message of inspiration drawn from the Hanukkah candles themselves. “We must be more Jewish and more proud,” Rabbi Shmotkin said. “And we must shine our light, just like the candle. Even a single flame can push away so much darkness.”
As the menorah glowed against the night sky, the message was clear: Hanukkah in Alameda is not only about remembering a miracle of the past, but about illuminating the present with faith, courage, and pride.
The celebration set a powerful tone for the days ahead, reminding all who attended that when a community comes together, its light shines brighter than ever.
Another public menorah lighting, hosted by Alameda’s Temple Israel, is set for Wednesday, December 17, from 5 to 7 p.m., in the center court area of South Shore Center. Mayor Ashcraft, County Supervisor Lena Tam, Alameda Fire Chief Nick Luby, and Police Chief Nishant Joshi are scheduled to be there.