The annual lighting of a giant menorah in Richmond is taking place this weekend with a special guest — B.C. Premier David Eby.
Eby will be lighting the Shamash candle of the menorah on Sunday afternoon to celebrate Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights and the Feast of Dedication, and the 35th year of the ceremony.
The 25-foot tall menorah outside the Richmond Public Library and Cultural Centre is one of the largest in Canada, according to an invitation to the event from the Bayit Synagogue.
It was designed by the late Canadian architect Arthur Erickson and was lit for the first time in December 1988 by then-B.C. premier Bill Vander Zam.
This year, Hanukkah will start at nightfall today and end on Dec. 15.
The ceremony will begin at 3 p.m., followed by Hanukkah celebrations from 3:30 until 4 p.m.
Inside the library, Hanukkah activities organized by the Beth Tikvah Synagogue will take place from 2 to 3 p.m. Children of all ages and families will get to learn about the holiday through stories, crafts and activities.
"The lighting of the menorah holds historic resonance. At a time when the world, and Jewish people in particular, are experiencing grief and anxiety, this annual menorah event is especially relevant," reads the invitation.
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