On the fifth night of Chanukah — Dec. 29 — more than 100 people attended the annual Chabad Mercer Island menorah lighting at Mercerdale Park. The celebration also featured games, singing and dancing, a selection of traditional Chanukah foods and community engagement.

Chabad Mercer Island’s Rabbi Nissan Kornfeld, who led the menorah lighting, said that 2024 marked the 50th anniversary of public menorah lightings and that Chabad-Lubavitch hosted more than 15,000 public menorah events in more than 100 countries.

Public menorahs are powerful symbols that represent the visibility of Jewish identity, Kornfeld said. The rabbi then discussed the vitality of the menorah’s light and the importance of the unifying community event.

“The light of the menorah symbolizes triumph of light, freedom and truth over darkness, oppression and hatred,” Kornfeld said. “Public menorah gatherings bring people of all faiths and backgrounds together in celebration. In today’s context of rising antisemitism and global tensions, public menorah lightings are even more powerful.”

When asked about the main message he conveyed to the crowd, Kornfeld said, in part: “Chanukah teaches us the power of growth and perseverance — one small step at a time. The menorah isn’t lit all at once; we add a candle each night. This symbolizes that life isn’t about instant perfection, but about constant progress. Even if we start with just a little light, if we keep adding, that light will grow and eventually fill the darkness.”

Delving further into the symbolic role of the menorah, Kornfeld said that it is part of “our nation’s dedication to preserve and encourage the right and liberty of all its citizens to worship G-d freely, openly, and with pride.”

Spectators gather at the 2024 Chanukah celebration. Photo courtesy of Henry Rodenburg

Attendees play games at the 2024 Chanukah celebration. Photo courtesy of Henry Rodenburg

Attendees watch the menorah lighting at the 2024 Chanukah celebration. Photo courtesy of Henry Rodenburg

People sing and dance at the 2024 Chanukah celebration. Photo courtesy of Henry Rodenburg