PHOTOS: Jewish Community Gathers at Lyceum in Old Town for Hanukkah Lighting Ceremony 

Alexandria, VA – Amid a backdrop of surging antisemitism, the Jewish community of Alexandria packed the Lyceum parking lot last night for the 23rd annual Hanukkah festival, organized by Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington. The eight-day Jewish winter holiday, also known as the Festival of Lights, began Wednesday evening, December 25. Newly minted Alexandria Police Chief Tarrick McGuire ignited the center candle, called the shamash, of the giant Menorah or candelabra. The shamash lights all the other candles. Each night, a candle is added until the final eighth night.  

Guests mingled in the cold night air, sipping hot cocoa while waiting for the ceremony to begin. A long table was laden with Hanukkah giveaways, including menorahs (menorot in Hebrew), dreidels (Hanukkah spinning game), and chocolate coins (gelt in Yiddish).  

Chabad Rabbi Mordechai Newman welcomed the audience with a quick review of the Hanukkah (Chanukah in Hebrew) story. How mighty Syrian Greek forces in 164 BCE desecrated the holy temple in Jerusalem. When the Maccabees came to rededicate the temple, they found a single cruise of oil, only enough to last one day. But a miracle happened, and that small vial of oil burned for eight straight days.  

“The miracle of oil is celebrated annually by lighting the Hanukkah menorah, which serves also as a simple message of the triumph of freedom over oppression and the power of light over darkness,” Rabbi Newman intoned. “Hanukkah is a time of strength. Hanukkah is a time of miracles. Hanukkah is a time of light.” 

While Hanukkah is one of the most festive holidays on the Jewish calendar, it is overshadowed by the explosion of antisemitism across the country.  

“In these challenging times as we witness the rise of antisemitism all over the world, our hearts and minds are with our brothers and sisters in Israel,” Rabbi Newman said. “We are thinking and praying for the hostages and their families and praying for the return of the 100 hostages still in Gaza. We pray for their safety and security.” 

Mayor-Elect Alyia Gaskins next stepped up to the mic to greet the large crowd. 

“I have found in my own life that the darkness and the dark seasons have not only been a time to learn to trust, but it’s a time to hope and a time to wait for the light that will eventually come,” Gaskins told the crowd. “And a reminder that when we wait with anticipation, the light that comes shines so bright that it can never be shaken. It shines so bright that it can warm us all and can bring us joy and kindness in a world where that feels far and fleeting.” 

Gaskins has less than a week left as Alexandria City councilwoman. On Thursday January 2, she takes the reins from current mayor Justin Wilson, when she will be inaugurated as the first black female mayor of Alexandria. 

“And so tonight, as we light the second candle, my hope for you is that this light will bring you much joy. But more importantly, that it’ll serve as a reminder that we need your life here in our city. We cannot be the Alexandria that we are called to be without each and every one of you shining bright, sharing your gifts, and sharing your love.” 

 A line of police officers ringed the perimeter of the outdoor event, police cruisers blocking the entrance to prevent cars from driving into the parking lot. It was a stark reminder that Jewish events always require security. Newly minted Police Chief Tarrick McGuire was keenly aware of that ever-present fear. 

“On behalf of the Alexandria Police Department, we’re here to build partnerships with you, to strengthen our relationships with you, and also to protect you,” McGuire assured the crowd. 

The police chief was presented with the honor of lighting the center candle, the shamash. As the lights sparked to life, Rabbi Newman led the assembled guests in the blessings over the kindling, followed by a lively sing-along of classic Hannukah favorites. 

Andy Grabel and his wife Alyssa came to Alexandria from Fairfax City, their two small daughters in tow. Andy reflected on the massacre in Israel on October 7, 2023, and how a cloud hangs over the joy of Hanukkah while 100 Israelis are still held captive. 

“That’s something that’s always on our minds. The thing that we can do to deal with these difficult circumstances is to come together with our community, with Jews and non-Jews who want to come out and celebrate Hanukkah and remember the reason for the holiday. It is about perseverance. It is about Jews being able to continue to be proud and be out in the community and to celebrate such a joyous occasion.” 

Grabel serves on the board of the Pozez Jewish Community Center in Fairfax. He explained why he traveled to Alexandria for this community gathering. 

“My wife and I saw this and really wanted to come out to participate, to be a part of the celebration. We have young children and just for them to be able to see this, participate, be among fellow Jews in seeing the light amidst so much darkness in our world right now is really special.” 

And then Grabel joined his family and friends for hot latkes and jelly-flled sufganiyot (donuts in Hebrew), traditional Hanukkah fare. 

There are two more Chabad menorah lighting events in the area. Light up Arlington is Sunday evening, followed by Met Park Amazon HQ2 Monday night.  

Another unusual factoid for all you calendar nerds. 2025 will see two Hanukkahs because this one spills into the new year. There will be no Hanukkah in 3031, but two in 3032. 

Enjoy this video reel of the Hanukkah festival. Video credit: BN

MORE: Menorah Lit in Del Ray Alexandria on December 25