Hanukkah celebration features menorah lighting

Children's choir performs at ceremony

Chabad of Tustin Jewish Center sponsored a Hanukkah celebration and lighting a menorah in The District shopping center Tuesday evening.

"Hanukkah's a time for celebrating the freedom to openly celebrate our values. And this menorah lighting proclaims that message to the world," Rabbi Shuey Eliezrie, director of the Tustin-based Chabad, said in an e-mail.

At Tuesday's ceremony, a live band and a Hebrew school choir performed.

A Hanukkah celebration is highlighted by the kindling of the menorah each night of the holiday. "It is a holiday that enriches our lives with the light of tradition" said Rabbi Alter Tenenebaum, director of Chabad of Irvine.

"In ancient times our ancestors rededicated the Temple in Jerusalem with the menorah. Today, we rededicate ourselves to making this world a better and brighter place."

Hanukkah also propagates the universal message that ultimately good will prevail over evil, freedom over oppression and light over darkness, Rabbi Eliezrie said.