Photos and text by DAVID GREENFIELD
Waltham Times Contributing Photographer
In Waltham City Hall Council Chambers Rabbi Benjamin Chaidell of Temple Beth Israel Waltham sets up hanukkiot (menorahs) in preparation for candle lighting marking the 6th of the 8 night holiday of Hanukkah. 
City councilors were also among the group in Council Chambers for the lighting. 
Once the 50 attendees were settled, Rabbi Chaidell explained what Hanukkah commemorates. 
Chaidell then led everyone in joyous singing of favorite Hanukkah tunes. 
Song sheets were provided to help everyone sing along. Natalie Hayes helps her son David in the sing along. 
Mayor Jeannette McCarthy was there and joined in the festivities. 
Ilana Franks gets help from dad Andrew in setting up their family menorah. 
The rabbi then led the room for the candle lighting blessings. 
After all 6 candles are lit, Michal placed the lighting candle, the Shamash, into its designated central spot. 
Councilor Paul Katz is assisted by son Jacob with their lighting. 
Michal’s daughter Alma approves mom’s work. 
Then it was time for some fun, playing Dreidel, the Hanukkah spinning top. 
Ilana tried to master the proper spinning technique. 
Ilana gets a little dreidel coaching from dad Andrew. 
The Mayor gives the spinning a try. 
As the celebration drew to a close, it was time to hand out ‘gelt’, a traditional Hanukkah gift. Ilana gets hers from Rabbi Chaidell. 
Happy Hanukkah from Waltham Council members.
An illuminating light radiated from Waltham City Hall last Monday, Dec. 30, one of the darkest days of winter, as around 50 community members and city leaders gathered for the annual Hanukkah commemoration and candle-lighting.
Rabbi Benjamin Chaidell of Temple Beth Israel officiated.
Before leading attendees in a warmup sing-along of favorite Hanukkah songs, Chaidell provided an overview of the holiday, which is geared to the lunar calendar and typically occurs between late November and late December. Hanukkah, also referred to as the Festival of Lights, means “dedication” in Hebrew. It celebrates the victory of the Maccabean Revolt in the second century BCE when the Hellenistic king ruled Judea and outlawed Jewish religious practice. Hanukkah also marks the rededication of the defiled Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the single flask of pure oil burning for eight nights in the temple menorah.
Next on the agenda was the candle-lighting. Chaidell, accompanied by some community members, recited the traditional blessings as six candles were lit marking the sixth night of Hanukkah. Several menorahs, also known as “hanukkiot,” were used. Chaidell and City Councilor Paul Katz both expressed sentiments that Hanukkah celebrates bringing the community together and spreading light into the world at the darkest time of the year.
The evening concluded on a sweet note as the rabbi handed out gifts of “gelt,” foil-wrapped chocolate in the shape of a coin, to the children. He and assembled community leaders then wished everyone a happy Hanukkah.