Hoffman’s Chocolate held a Menorah lighting ceremony for the first day of Hanukkah. During the lighting every night they light one candle using the “shammash” also known as the servant candle which is the one in the middle. During this holiday eight candles are lit. These candles represent when the temple got destroyed they only had enough pure oil for the candle to burn for one night and more oil wouldn’t reach them until 8 days later, but the pure oil they had lasted all 8 days. This year Hanukkah is from December 12th – December 20th.

Hoffman’s Chocolate had a whole section dedicated to Hanukkah. Gates opened at 5:30, this allowed you access to both the Christmas section and Hanukkah section. They had a lot of Jewish food that they were giving out. They were giving out donuts that were either filled with custard or jelly. During Hanukkah it’s custom to eat fried foods.

While all the adults were mingling the children were all hanging out and playing football.

These are the blow-ups they had on the Hanukkah side. Many people took pictures with these while waiting for the lighting to start.

The actual Menorah lighting itself didn’t start until 6’o clock. Before they lit the candle the Rabbi gave a speech speaking about the meaning of Hanukkah.

They also talked about the origin of Hanukkah as they lit a candle and sang a Hebrew prayer. I’ve never witnessed a group of people come together like they did during this prayer.

This was probably one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I got to experience someone else’s culture and be a part of something special that I have never gotten to be apart of.