More than 400 people celebrated the eighth night of Hanukkah at a public menorah lighting in St. Charles Sunday evening, Dec. 21. The event was organized by the Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles. It marks the 7th year for the festive community gala. An appearance by dreidel man and a gelt drop from a St. Charles Fire Department extended ladder are popular features.
In a demonstration of unity and a symbolic sharing of lights, many of those gathered held up a battery-powered candle or a wireless phone with a flashlight app. Rabbi Yosef Landa, regional director of Chabad of Greater St. Louis, lit the menorah with assistance from St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann and Dan Borgmeyer, mayor of the City of St. Charles. Borgmeyer told the attendees in Berthold Square that his city is a great place to live.
“If you’re Jewish, you’re welcome here,” Borgmeyer said. “If you’re Asian, you’re welcome here. No matter what you are, you’re welcome here and my pledge to you is you will be safe here. God bless you all.”
| RELATED: Why Missouri’s Hanukkah at the Governor’s Mansion felt different this year
