PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Hanukkah began at sundown Saturday night. And to mark the first of eight days of celebration, people gathered outside Portland City Hall for the annual lighting of the menorah.
A ladder truck from the Portland Fire Department hoisted Rabbi Moshe Wilanksy into the air, where he told the story of Hanukkah, and lit the first lantern of the giant menorah.
Families who came out to celebrate the Jewish holiday sang songs, said prayers, and eventually went inside to play games and eat treats.
Portland Mayor Ethan Strimling stopped by, reading a statement from the City Council.
Maine's Congressional Delegation sent letters, which were read to the gathered crowd.
Rabbi Wilansky said Chabad Lubavitch has a whole week of activities planned-- including a menorah lighting at the Bangor Mall on Tuesday and a roller skating event for the kids. Also, Governor Paul LePage will be lighting a menorah at the State House in Augusta.