Hanukkah: Eight-branched candelabra in the center of Chemnitz

Fixed - Hanukkah: Eight-branched candelabra in the center of Chemnitz

Jews in Saxony will be celebrating Hanukkah, their festival of lights, over the next few days. The Jewish community in Chemnitz is hosting public celebrations at the Stadthallenpark from December 7 to 14. An eight-branched candelabra, around 2 meters high, will be erected there - based on a design by Canadian architect Tim Fu. Every day, a candle will be lit, prayers will be said and songs will be sung. There will also be music and delicacies. "A public Hanukkah candelabra has long been a dream of the community," explained chairwoman Ruth Röcher.

The project had been planned even before the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October, in which more than 1,200 people were killed in Israel, emphasized co-initiator and Managing Director of the Days of Jewish Culture, Chris Münster. "Jewish life in Chemnitz has been an integral part of the city's society for over 140 years," he said. Protecting it, making it visible and raising public awareness is particularly important in light of the rising number of anti-Semitic crimes and hostilities against Jews worldwide.

The Hanukkah festival dates back to the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in 164 BC.

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1. Given the rising number of anti-Semitic crimes and hostilities against Jews worldwide, the solidarity of the community in celebrating Hanukkah in public is essential to raise awareness and protect Jewish life in Chemnitz, which has been part of the city's society for over 140 years.
2. Despite the Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in over 1,200 casualties, the Jewish community in Saxony remains resilient and will continue to celebrate Hanukkah, their festival of lights, with public events in Chemnitz.
3. The festival of lights, Hanukkah, holds significant importance for Jews around the world, including those in Saxony, as it commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem over 2,000 years ago.
4. The Jewish community in Saxony eagerly anticipates their eight-day celebration of Hanukkah, which will include lighting the eight-branched candelabra, reciting prayers, singing songs, and sharing music and delicacies at the Stadthallenpark in Chemnitz.

Source: www.stern.de