Rabbi Noach Kosofsky lights the first and second lamp of the menorah.
Reminder Publishing photos by Peter Tuohy
SPRINGFIELD — In Springfield’s Court Square on Dec. 15, the smell of warm Latkes carried through the freezing air as children danced the Hora in anticipation for the annual menorah lighting by Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy’s Rabbi Noach Kosofsky, marking the beginning of Hanukkah.
A plethora of community members and families were in attendance, along with Mayor Domenic Sarno, state Sen. Jake Oliveira, state Reps. Brian Ashe and Angelo Puppolo and other city officials.
Before the lighting, Kosofsky spoke on the tradition of Hanakkuh and the importance of religious observance.
Children dance the Hora before the ceremony begins. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy 
Rabbi Noach Kosofsky begins the ceremony with a speech. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy 
Children dance the Hora once again in front of the lit menorah. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy 
The community gathers for Kosofsky’s speech and the menorah lighting. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy 
Mayor Domenic Sarno speaks about strength among the Jewish community. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy 
The menorah burns and stands tall over Court Square. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy 
Sarno lights the Shamash. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy 
Jack Chamberlain from U.S. Rep. Richard Neal’s office speaks. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy 
Kosofsky and Sarno prepare to light the menorah. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy 
The Shamash after being lit and officially kicking off Hanukkah. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy 
From left to right: State Sen. Jake Oliveira, Eliana Gutierrez, Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers, state Rep. Angelo Puppolo, Jack Chamberlain and state Rep. Brian Ashe look on as the menorah is lit. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy
“Lighting our menorah in public property is a statement by our government, our city government, our state government and our country, that religious observance, freedom of religion, is a priority for this wonderful nation,” Kosofsky said.
Hanukkah was celebrated this year from Dec. 14-22, but the tradition of Hanukkah dates back 2,200 years when Seleucid Greeks conquered Israel with the intent to stop the observance of Judaism. Kosofsky said with “great courage,” the Jewish Maccabees fought back and reconquered the Holy Land, rededicated the Holy Temple and began reinstating daily rituals. With only one night’s worth of pure oil, they decided to light the temple menorah regardless. He added that because of their faith, oil was poured into each cup of the menorah, and by a miracle, continued burning for eight days.
“The menorah’s message is that in the darkness, we light a candle,” Kosofsky said. “When things are difficult, we face challenges, we light that candle and we go forward.”
Sarno was called by Kosofsky to speak, and began with a moment of silence for the victims of Australia’s Bondi Beach shooting during a Hanukkah celebration on Dec. 14. Sarno wished for a happy Hanukkah and said, “love will always conquer hate.”
“In these anti-semitic attacks, terrorist attacks, the Jewish people are strong and resilient, and always will stand up to defend themselves, their causes and their people,” Sarno said. “I continue to stand with you as you’ve stood with me for many, many years. It’s important, simple, that we all come together as one as we light the menorah. Light brings not only brightness, but brings hope to the communion.”
Jack Chamberlain took the stand on behalf of U.S. Rep. Richard Neal. “This light is a reminder that even in these really dark times, hope, endurance and community really shines through,” Chamberlain said.
Sarno lit the ninth lamp of the menorah, the Shamash, and then Kosofsky lit the first two to commemorate the beginning of Hanukkah.
