LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — In a pared down ceremony in Lexington's government center, the menorah still shined bright.
Rabbi Shlomo Litvin, director of the Chabad of the Bluegrass, joined two council members and a handful of others there Thursday to recognize the first night of Chanukah.
"For many people, this was their menorah lighting," Rabbi Litvin said, referring to community celebrations in the past. "Many people would come to either one of Chabad's many events at the Chabad House or a lighting on UK's campus."
For those longing for a sense of community during an extended period of isolation, Rabbi Litvin plans to light a menorah live on Facebook for the remaining seven nights of Chanukah. Each night will feature Litvin accompanied by a different figure in the Central Kentucky region.
"Chanukah doesn't belong to the synagogue," he said. "Chanukah doesn't belong to the square. Chanukah belongs to each and every person. Each and every person has that ability to add light to the world, to see something that's dark and light it up."
During a holiday that celebrates light prevailing over darkness, Litvin encourages everyone to do their part this year to bring a little light into the world.
"People believe that darkness is a force," he said. "Darkness is not a force. It's the absence of light. And if there's an absence of light, it's because you aren't shining."
