Rabbi Mendel Wolvovsky leads the crowd in a song prior to the lighting of the Chanukah Menorah at Coddingtown Mall on Monday evening, December 27, 2005. (The Press Democrat/ Christopher Chung)

Chabad Center lighting at Coddingtown marks 3rd night of holy period

MARTIN ESPINOZA
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

A public Menorah lighting celebrated the third night of Hanukkah on Tuesday in Santa Rosa as the Chabad Jewish Center brought a 9-foot menorah to Coddingtown Mall.

Hanukkah commemorates the re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after the Jews' victory over the Hellenist Syrians in 165 B.C. The menorah that was used in that ceremony, which only had enough oil to last one day, miraculously lasted eight days.

Rabbi Mendel Wolvovsky of the Chabad Center said the menorah reminds people how one candle can push back darkness.

"If each and every one of us re-dedicates our lives to make our lives more of a holy temple where God can feel at home, then we can make a difference in the world," Wolvovsky said.

It is the fourth year the Chabad Center has sponsored the celebration, which Wolvovsky said is attracting a greater number of people each year.

On Monday, the center held a menorah lighting ceremony at Oliver's Market in Cotati.

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