Chabad of Southern Minnesota to light up Rochester for Hanukkah

(ABC 6 NEWS) – On Tuesday night, the Chabad of Southern Minnesota will light up Rochester for its Chanukah Extravaganza.

Tuesday night the menorah will be lit on the 3rd day of Hanukkah in University Square.

Last year, the Chabad celebrated with a parade due to COVID-19, but this year they are back in person.

Hanukkah the festival of lights recalls the victory of Jewish people who defeated the Syrian Greeks who had overrun ancient Isreal and sought to impose restrictions on the Jewish way of life and prohibit religious freedom.

When the temple was recaptured only one jar of oil was found and burned for eight days in commemorations Jews celebrated Hanukkah for eight days by lighting the menorah.

"The nature of Hanukkah and lighting of the menorah is done in a public fashion and is done to publicize the miracle and to celebrate the theme of the victory of light over darkness," said Rabbi David Greene with the Chabad of Southern Minnesota.

Rabbi Greene said no matter your religion it is important to cherish religious freedom.

"With the history of the jews so much time was spent hiding our menorahs in our homes because we were oppressed because of our religious convictions so when we live in an environment that allows it is a blessing and a privilege to be able to share that," said Rabbi Greene.

The Chanukah Extravaganza is Tuesday at 5 p.m. at the Galleria in University Square.

Find out more here.