MILWAUKEE, Wis. — The Daniel M. Hoan Memorial Bridge will be illuminated as a menorah each night of Hanukkah for the next week, in partnership with Light The Hoan.
The Milwaukee Jewish Federation invites everyone to light their menorahs alongside them. The bridge lighting symbolizes the Federation’s commitment to being a guiding light for those in need, according to organizers.
What is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah — also spelled Chanukah or other transliterations from Hebrew — is Judaism’s “festival of lights.” On eight consecutive nightfalls, Jews gather with family and friends to light one additional candle in the menorah — a multi-branched candelabra.
In Hebrew, Hanukkah means “dedication,” and the holiday marks the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BC after a small group of Jewish fighters liberated it from occupying foreign forces, according to AP.
RELATED:
-Learn more about The Milwaukee Jewish Federation.
-Learn more about Light the Hoan.
-See a list of Hanukkah events in the Milwaukee area.
Watch: Hoan Bridge to light up as Menorah each night of Hanukkah: What to know
“From providing statewide security for Jewish institutions to offering aid to those in crisis around the world, supporting the Milwaukee Jewish Federation this Hanukkah helps empower programs that uplift lives,” organizers with the Milwaukee Jewish Federation said. “We invite everyone in the Milwaukee area to join us and enjoy this meaningful light display on the Hoan.”
The Jewish holiday begins this year on Christmas Day, which has only happened four times since 1900, and runs until Jan. 2.
Here are the candle-lighting times for Hanukkah 2024:
- Dec. 25 at 6 p.m. – Lighting of the Shamash (helper candle) and first candle of the menorah
- Dec. 26 at 6 p.m. – Lighting of the second candle
- Dec. 27 at 4 p.m. – Early lighting for Shabbat and lighting of the third candle
- Dec. 28–31 at 6 p.m. – Lighting of the next four candles
- Jan. 1 at 6 p.m. – Lighting of the eighth and final candle
To learn more about this and other Hanukkah programs in the area, visitMilwaukeeJewish.org/Hanukkah.
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