In what has become an annual tradition, the beginning of Hanukkah was marked once again by the lighting of a giant menorah on the Utah Capitol grounds at sunset Thursday.
But this time, as with every other religious holiday during the coronavirus pandemic, social distancing was required. Some onlookers arrived and stayed in their cars, while those 100 or so who wanted a closer look in the cold night air, were warned sternly to wear their masks.
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Rabbi Benny Zippel speaks before lighting Utah's tallest menorah at the Utah Capitol for the first night of Hanukkah on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020.
The eight-day Jewish holiday, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the historic victory of the Hebrew Maccabees over the Syrian-Greek army, and the subsequent miracle of an oil lamp that remained lit for eight days in Jerusalem’s holy temple.
This and other lightings were organized by Rabbi Benny Zippel, executive director of Chabad Lubavitch of Utah. Gov. Gary Herbert and his wife, Jeanette, were on hand, as has become the custom.
This year’s ceremonies also honored a handful of health care workers as well. The 20-foot menorah was dedicated to the memory of Allyson Gamble, longtime Utah Capitol director, who died last week.
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