ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - Just a few days before the start of the Hanukkah festival, Jewish families and others from the community gathered at the Old Town Plaza on Sunday, to remember one of the most important events in the faith’s history. 

The third annual event was hosted by the Chabbad of Elk Grove, and co-sponsored by the City of Elk Grove and was intended to help celebrate and commemorate one of the Jewish faith’s most important stories: the lighting of the menorah and the rededication of the second Jewish temple. 

“This is a prayer or blessing for the candles,” Erica Cassman said. 

The story behind this occasion hearkens back to when Antiochus IV, the Seleucid Greek ruler, wanted the Jews to stop practicing their religion and worship the Greek god Zeus. Jewish warriors called Maccabees revolted against Greeks during the second century BCE and were able to rededicate their temple.

They wanted to relight the menorah, the multibranched Jewish candelabra, in the temple for the eight-day celebration, however, it was believed that there was only enough pure oil for one day. As the story goes, it miraculously lasted the entire eight days.

The tradition was again honored in Elk Grove with the lighting of a nine-foot LED menorah and attendees singing “Ma’oz Tzur,” a Hebrew poem from the 12th or early 13th century. Translated from Hebrew, it means, “Rock of Ages.”

Hanukkah started on Wednesday and runs through the upcoming Thursday. 

“This is a time to be kinder to each other,” Elk Grove resident and event organizer Rabbi Chaim Groner said. “To be better.” 

Before the official menorah lighting, attendees danced to lively Hanukkah music. Children were also able to select a balloon animal of their choice, have their caricature drawn by Madelyn Lopez, or jump around in a bouncy house. 

Randy Finger served up latkes, a type of potato pancake, with applesauce and sour cream. 

There were a variety of donuts, hot coffee for adults, and hot chocolate for children.

Hope Kosh greeted the attendees and gave them free raffle tickets for prizes.

While there isn’t a synagogue in Elk Grove – attendee Rabbie Moshe Cohen presides over a congregation in Sacramento – Rabbi Groner holds Torah studies at his home in Elk Grove on Wednesday evenings.

“This celebration is a light in our community for peace, unity, and brotherhood,” District 2 City Councilor Rod Brewer said.