MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – The city of Montgomery hosted its annual Hanukkah celebration on the sixth night of this year’s holiday, which is one of the most sacred times of the year for the Jewish community.
“Let us recommit ourselves in the ongoing work of building a more just and compassionate society,a world where every community is respected, every faith is honored and every individual is valued,” Mayor Steven Reed said in a speech to attendees.
The ceremony included speeches from two local rabbis in addition to the mayor’s speech, as well as songs, prayer and a menorah lighting.
“It’s a commandment to light the menorah and to do so publicly,” said Rabbi Zari Sussman with Agudath Israel Etz Ahayem. “So the fact that we can do so at City Hall means that we’re a fully integrated and accepted member of the Montgomery social scene.”
Hanukkah is an eight-day celebration commemorating the reclaiming of the …