PORTLAND, Ore. — On Thursday evening, people in the Pacific Northwest and around the world began lighting a nightly menorah candle to celebrate Hanukkah.
This year, Judaism's "festival of lights" starts on Dec. 7 and runs through Dec. 15. The holiday, also spelled Chanukah, marks the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the second century B.C., after a group of Jewish fighters liberated it from occupying foreign forces. According to the Chanukah story, they lit a menorah with the tiny supply of oil that they found in the temple and it stayed lit for eight days.
Here's a look at some of the Hanukkah events happening around the greater Portland-Vancouver metro area.
Let it Glow Chanukah Festival
When: Dec. 9, 4 p.m.-8 p.m.
Where: Congregation Neveh Shalom: 2900 Southwest Peaceful Lane, Portland, OR
Congregation Neveh Shalom is hosting a festive and lively evening for families. There will be games and arts and crafts, along with Chanukah cookie decorating. Starting at 5 p.m., people can enjoy musical entertainment from a DJ, and hit the dance floor for a neon and glow-in-the-dark-themed dance party. The candle lighting will start at 5:45 p.m., followed by dinner and even more music. Anyone who wants to attend needs to purchase a ticket. Online registration is closed, but tickets can be bought over the phone at 503-246-8831.
RELATED: When does Hanukkah start this year?
Chanukah Extravaganza
When: Dec. 10, 4:00 p.m.
Where: Chabad Jewish Center of Clark County: 9604 Northeast 126th Ave Suite 2340, Vancouver, WA
Looking for an entertaining and fun Chanukah event for children? The Chanukah Extravaganza at the Chabad Jewish Center of Clark County will feature many hands-on activities, like learning how to make olive oil and building a giant menorah out of jelly beans. Children can also construct their own edible candy dreidel. The events costs $18 per family. Those planning to attend can sign up online.
Other menorah lightings
Gresham Chanukah celebration
When: Dec. 10, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Gresham Arts Plaza: 401 Northeast 2nd Street, Gresham, OR
Sandy Community Menorah Lighting
When: Dec. 12, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Centennial Plaza: 39295 Pioneer Boulevard, Sandy, OR
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Portland's Public Menorah: First Night at Pioneer Square
When: Dec. 7 at 5 p.m.
Where: Pioneer Courthouse Square: 701 Southwest 6th Avenue, Portland, OR
Chabad of Oregon hosted its 39th Hanukkah menorah lighting event in the heart of downtown Portland. This year was expected to be have one of the largest turnouts. A 12-foot menorah was lit, and there was music and latkes, a traditional Chanukah food.
"We each need to light our candle, our inner candle and our physical candle and be a source of light and a source of hope for all of us," said Rabbi Motti Wilhelm.
For Wilhelm and others who share the Jewish faith, that belief has never meant more. On Thursday, their minds are on the Israel Hamas War, the Oct. 7 terrorist attack that triggered it, and the thousands of lives lost since then.
"In the darkest moments in our lives, in the darkest moments of history, in the darkest of rooms in the darkest of spaces, you can light a candle and a little light dispels much darkness," said Wilhelm.
Community Chanukah Celebration
When: Dec. 7, 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Where: Esther Short Park and playground: 605 Esther Street, Vancouver, WA
The Chabad Jewish Center celebrated Chanukah by lighting a 19-foot menorah. The celebration also included music and an LED dance presentation. Chocolate gelt and donuts were handed out; fried foods symbolize the oil that burned in the Chanukah story. Those in attendance were encouraged to bring canned food to help build a giant menorah made of cans. The canned food will be donated to the Clark County Food Bank.