Boston Mayor at Hummer Parade

Shaloh House Day School’s 6th Annual Chanukah Menorah Lighting and Stretch-Hummer Limo Parade attracted the largest crowd ever Tuesday evening, with an array of local politicians attending, including Guest of Honor Boston Mayor Marty Walsh.

The dignitaries joined more than 100 Jewish children in a gala celebration on the third night of Chanukah at Shaloh House. After feasting on Chanukah gourmet delicacies, the crowd – which included several shluchim from around Eastern Massachusetts – assembled on the lawn of the Brighton school. All joined in for the dramatic Menorah lighting, in which Mayor Walsh was honored with lighting the shamash, and they also were dazzled by the entertainment – a clown juggling lit torches.

“This is an incredible tradition,” Mayor Walsh told the crowd. “It’s important for us as city officials to understand the different cultures.” The event was also covered by major media from around Eastern Massachusetts.

Immediately after the Menorah lighting, the children clambered into four stretch-Hummer limousines with glowing Chanukah menorahs on their rooftops. With the limos in the lead, more than a dozen cars – each also equipped with an illuminated rooftop menorah – followed behind and created a glowing ribbon of light as they paraded through Boston, passing almost every major historic landmark and stunning viewers. Many spectators jumped up and down, danced, and grabbed their smart phones to take pictures.

Shaloh House Director Rabbi Dan Rodkin noted that it was very symbolic for him and for many others who emigrated from Russia that they were participating in a public menorah lighting. In Russia not so many years ago, lighting a menorah – even in the privacy of one’s own home – was grounds for arrest.

He told the audience that while most Jewish holidays are celebrated at home in private, Chanukah is an exception.

“On Chanukah we want to go public,” Rabbi Rodkin said, “because Chanukah has a universal message for all people – that a little light can push away a lot of darkness. Small acts of goodness can vanquish a lot of evil.”

Massachusetts State Rep. Kevin Honan and City Councilman Mark Ciommo were also in attendance, among other dignitaries.

Shaloh House also took the message of Chanukah to the streets all during the week, visiting both businesses and homes. The school is also hosting a giant Chanukah wonderland this coming Sunday, which is typically attended by Jewish children from around the state.