Photo: Courtesy: Chabad of Downtown Boston
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Jewish festival of Hannukah begins on Sunday night, and the City of Boston is touching off the holiday with a candle-lighting ceremony on Boston Common. It's the 38th annual event, hosted by the Chabad of Downtown Boston.
Governor Charlie Baker and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu will both be in attendance, along with Rabbi Chaim Prus, regional director of Chabad of Eastern Massachusetts, and other dignitaries. At the center of Sunday night's celebration is a massive, 22-foot menorah that towers over the Common.
Hannukah lasts eight days, and comes to an end on Monday, December 6.
The festival celebrates the Jewish victory over the Seleucid Greeks in 164 BCE, and the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem. It's somewhat earlier on the calendar than usual this year.
The menorah event will be live streamed, and begins at 4:00 PM.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio:Facebook|Twitter|Instagram|iHeartmedia App