<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1yyiTv_0jnhwe3s00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1yyiTv_0jnhwe3s00" width="640" height="360" >PORTLAND, Maine — Hanukkah started Sunday with theChabad of Maine hosting a "car menorah parade" on Congress Street in Portland, followed by the lighting of a 12-foot menorah outside Portland City Hall.The parade was part of a worldwide Hanukkah campaign to highlight and encourage the central theme of the holiday — that everyone has the power to illuminate the world."One good deed could push away darkness. One candle could light up a whole room," said Rabbi Moshe Wilanksky.Organizers say the menorahs symbolize a message of religious freedom.The menorah in Portland was lit at 4:30 Sunday afternoon, helping to start the eight-day holiday. The ceremony also included a Gelt drop, music with Paul Aranson and the Maine Meshugoyim and a light buffet dinner including latkes and donuts.“Our response to hatred of any kind must never be to cower or hide our faith,” said Wilianky. “The story of Hanukkah is the tremendous power of light to overcome darkness. We can have no better response to negativity we encounter than to gather together in even greater numbers and celebrate the light of the menorah in public.”This year carries added significance as Jewish communities celebrate the Year of Hakhel or “Gathering,” a once-in-seven-years Jewish tradition. </div></body>

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Giant menorah lighting helps start Hanukkah in Maine

PORTLAND, Maine — Hanukkah started Sunday with theChabad of Maine hosting a \"car menorah parade\" on Congress Street in Portland, followed by the lighting of a 12-foot menorah outside Portland City Hall. The parade was part of a worldwide Hanukkah campaign to highlight and encourage the central theme of...

PORTLAND, Maine — Hanukkah started Sunday with theChabad of Maine hosting a "car menorah parade" on Congress Street in Portland, followed by the lighting of a 12-foot menorah outside Portland City Hall. The parade was part of a worldwide Hanukkah campaign to highlight and encourage the central theme of...