Boston Mayor Joins Celebration

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh joined nearly 100 Jewish children in a gala celebration on the fifth night of Chanukah, Wednesday, Dec. 28th, at Shaloh House Jewish Day School in Brighton.

Mayor Walsh, the children, and an assortment of dignitaries watched in hushed excitement as five of the kerosene lanterns on the 9-foot-tall menorah were lit, marking the fifth night of this festive Jewish holiday.

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, 16 more cars – each also equipped with an illuminated rooftop menorah – followed behind and created a glowing ribbon of light as they paraded through the streets of Brighton, Brookline, downtown Boston and Allston.

Mayor Walsh remarked that he greatly appreciates when people – whatever their faith – cling to their holiday customs and traditions.

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.

“It’s truly remarkable for me personally to be standing here tonight, right across the street from the Brighton Courthouse with the Mayor of the city assisting in our lighting,” Rabbi Rodkin said.

City Council Mark Ciommo was also in attendance. The Menorah lighting was preceded by a festive Chanukah reception with gourmet Chanukah foods.

Shaloh House also took the message of Chanukah to the streets all during the week, visiting both businesses and homes. The school also hosted a giant Chanukah wonderland on Dec. 25th, and Jewish children from around Eastern Massachusetts enjoyed the three-hour long event.