MAINE, Maine — The eight-day holiday of Hanukkah, which is one of the most anticipated holidays for Jewish people, kicks of Thursday at sundown.
This holiday represents joy, and it remembers a historical event that took place in Jerusalem hundreds of years ago. The Greeks ruled, and a small group of Jews regained control of the temple. They had a small jug of oil to light up a candelabra that was supposed to last just one night, but miraculously it lasted eight.
Nowadays each year for a week in December, Jewish community members celebrate winning over the Greeks and taking control of the temple in Jerusalem for eight nights by lighting a candle each night and eating fried foods like latkes and sufganiyot.
Two Portland rabbis, father and son Moshe and Levi Wilansky, say the holiday this year is even more centered around unity, hope, compassion, and support. They say many Jewish community members have felt targeted and received hate amid a rise in antisemitism going on following the Israel-Hamas war. Because of this, they are encouraging Jews and non-Jews alike to celebrate with pride and support each other during the next eight days.
"A lot of the Jewish community is feeling lonely, it's feeling pushed aside, and it's important to feel the support from the broader community," Rabbi Levi Wilansky said. "That can be very helpful and uplifting to support people who want to connect with their heritage and celebrate, and that's the foundation of what America is about. There is no reason why any civilian or party living in America should be ashamed of practicing their religion, so encouraging them, telling them you support them goes a long way."
The Wilanskys say this year specifically they are encouraging everyone to spread their own light by doing something positive for another person, supporting and celebrating each other, and taking part in one of the many public menorah lightings that will be happening at different cities and towns in Maine during the next eight days.
Rabbi Moshe Wilansky also wants to encourage Jewish people to be proud to celebrate Hanukkah and to show pride in who they are and their identity.
"We believe in the spiritually and the physically come together, everybody taking out their menorah in their home and lighting the menorah every night of Hanukkah. Because a little light, it chases a way a lot of darkness. By lighting your menorah inside your home or outside your home, that will chase away the darkness," the rabbi said.
Rabbi Levi Wilansky said everyone can increase their acts of goodness and kindness.
"There have been college campuses demanding the removal of Jewish professors and physical attacks on Jews of all backgrounds. So, we respond by gathering in unity to spread love, kindness and positivity. This is what Hanukkah is all about: taking every opportunity to face the darkness and transform it into a shining flame of light and hope," he added.
Here is a list of public Hanukkah events across Maine:
Thursday, Dec. 7
Bangor: Congregation Beth Israel in Bangor is having a candle lighting ceremony, music, and refreshments at 144 York St. in Bangor. 5:30 p.m.
Portland: Chabad of Maine in Portland is having a Grand Menorah Lighting at Portland City Hall, before the big celebration with festive foods, music, and games starting at 4 p.m. there will be a Menorah car parade leaving from the JCA parking lot in Portland (1342 Congress St.) to the Portland City Hall.
Bangor: Chabad of Maine in Bangor will also have a Grand Menorah Lighting at Pierce Park with latkes, donuts, prayers for Israel, festive music, and more.
Friday, Dec. 8
Portland: The Etz Chaim Synagogue in Portland will be holding a family Hanukkah celebration. It begins at 5:30 with singing familiar songs, traditional foods including latkes, sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), etc. will at 6 p.m. they will light 2 candles to represent the second day of Hanukkah. "This year especially the world needs all of the light that we can add," rabbi Gary Berenson said from Etz Chaim.
South Portland: Congregation Bet Ha'am in South Portland will be holding our annual Light Up the Night Family Chanukah and Shabbat Celebration at 6 p.m. Leaders are encouraging people to bring their own menorah with three candles. Stay for a delicious oneg of potato latkes. For the young and young at heart, there will be dreidel games and more! Families are encouraged to bring a potluck dessert to share. Families can a enjoy pizza dinner at 5:30 PM; donations to cover the cost of pizza are encouraged.
Sunday, Dec. 10
Bangor: Congregation Beth Israel in Bangor is hosting the communitywide Hanukkah party at 144 York St. in Bangor at 10 a.m.
Westbrook: Chabad in Portland will head to Westbrook for a Hanukkah celebration and candle lighting of a large and new menorah that the mayor ordered for its city, the event will be happening at Westbrook Common. 5 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 11
Brunswick: Chabad of Midcoast will hold a Hanukkah celebration and public menorah lighting including the Brunswick Fire Department for a chocolate coin drop at the Brunswick town mall at 188 Main St. in front of the gazebo. 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 13
Portland: Temple Beth El in Portland is holding its annual Hanukkah party. There will be latkes, soups, sweets, and a community art project to show our love and support for our Israeli family during this difficult time. This event is completely free and open to all. The address is 400 Deering Ave in Portland. 5 p.m.
Augusta: A menorah lighting is scheduled at the state Capitol Building's Hall of Flags. Gov. Janet Mills is expected to give remarks. Noon.
Thursday, Dec. 14
Bangor: Congregation Beth El in Bangor is hosting a big celebration with renowned Boston-based klezmer band Ezekiel's Wheels. Everyone is invited. The address is 183 French St.