'More important than ever': Arlington Heights celebrates Hanukkah with menorah lighting

The lights of the menorah shined brightly Sunday evening in Arlington Heights' North School Park, as the Chabad Jewish Center hosted its annual Hanukkah celebration.

Children gazed as the menorah was lit by Rabbi Yaakov Kotlarsky, co-director of Chabad Jewish Center, then race to grab the Hanukkah "gelt" - chocolate coins - as they were dropped from the ladder of an Arlington Heights fire truck.

This celebration of the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian Greeks and the triumphal burning of the oil for eight days carried a special significance at a time when Israel is at war, hostages taken by Hamas await freedom and Jews worldwide confront antisemitism.

"We look to the menorah, and we look to the story of Hanukkah, with a universal message of freedom: freedom from tyranny and oppression, and the ultimate victory of good over evil," Kotlarsky told the gathering. "When confronted with hate, the public menorah lighting is more important than ever."

Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes attended, along with fellow members of the village board.

"This has become a really special holiday tradition here in the village of Arlington Heights," he said.

"This event has gotten bigger and better every year."

Temperatures hovered around the freezing mark, but participants in the celebration warmed themselves with hot cocoa and cider, and by dancing to live music.

During the ceremony, the crowd recited the Shema, the declaration of faith and the affirmation that God is one.

Tables were filled with menorahs and candles that attendees could take with them to spread the message of light. An addition to the ceremony was the Hanukkah story walk, and celebrants were given LED foam lights on which they wrote Hanukkah messages.

Among those enjoying the ceremony was Palatine resident Randy Poznan.

"We can't be afraid," he said. "We have to come out and we have to celebrate the Torah and do these mitzvahs and show our love for Hashem."