The Fresno Jewish community will publicly light the Hanukkah menorah Sunday afternoon at the Woodward Park library (944 E. Perrin Ave., Fresno). All are invited.

Chabad Fresno hosts the 35th annual event to commemorate the “Festival of Lights,” on the Jewish calendar. Sunday marks the fifth (of eight) nights of Hanukkah.

Chanie Zirkind of Chabad Fresno said the event is about religious freedom.

“The message of Hanukkah is universal, and it’s all about education, education, education. The more we educate and the more we learn to bring things within the community, you hope that … understanding will become more the norm,” Zirkind said.

The library event starts at 3:30 p.m. in the community room. Threats of rain on Sunday moved the event indoors, originally scheduled at the Riverpark Shopping Center.

The actual lighting will happen around 4:15 p.m., Zirkind said.

In addition to the menorah lighting, food fried in oil — such as doughnuts and latkes (fried potato pancakes) — will be on hand, along with live music.

Extra Security Since Oct. 7

Chabad Fresno has employed extra security since the Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attacks in Israel.

“Hopefully, we will not have any need for the security. Hopefully, it’s just like having insurance when you don’t need medical insurance, you know?” Zirkind said.

But, the intensified precautions have come at a price.

“It’s draining our budget,” Zirkind said. “Thankfully, we have not had incidents, and we don’t anticipate any. But we want to take every precaution so that people feel comfortable.”

What is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Greeks. The Jews rededicated its Great Temple, only to find a one-day supply of oil to light the menorah. In a miracle, the oil lasted eight nights.

While not the most religiously significant holiday on the Jewish calendar, because it takes place around Christmastime, Hanukkah is the most well-known and mainstream.

Hanukkah always takes place on the 25th of Kislev on the lunar-based Jewish calendar. For the first time since 2005, the first night of Hanukkah fell on Dec. 25. The next “Hanumas” takes place in 2035.