LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Hanukkah begins Sunday night when the first candle on the Menorah is lit.
Lexington Rabbi Shlomo Litvin said the holiday could be met with excitement, but also fear.
"For the first time there are Jews in America who are considering, 'should I light my Menorah in the window or not?'"Litvin said.
In the wake of recent anti-Semitic attacks across America, Litvin said some people are afraid to worship freely.
However, he said he believes the best way to counter fear, is through celebrating openly and proudly.
"What we need to do is have more Menorahs," Litvin said.
Litvin said he wants to fight for peace, and he encourages others to do the same.
"When someone says something you disagree with on Facebook, tell them I don't agree with that." Litvin said. "When someone suggests an ideology of hate, counter with an ideology of love. When we do that, we can't prevent every violent attack, but we can stop being culpable in a society that allows those events to happen."
A public Menorah lighting is scheduled for tonight at 5 p.m. at City Hall.
Another lighting at Joseph-Beth Booksellers will take place on Thursday at 6 p.m. A lighting a the Summit at Fritz Farm will take place next Sunday at 6 p.m.
To learn more about the holiday, click here.
