Roughly 125 members of Guelph's Jewish community gathered at Guelph City Hall Thursday night to celebrate Chanukah.
Organized by Chabad of Guelph and Beth Isaiah Synagogue and led by Rabbi Raphi Steiner, the ceremony included remarks by Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie and a touching tribute to Dr. Jeff White, an involved and dedicated of the city's Jewish community who passed away earlier this year.
Jeff's son Shraga helped light the menorah in his father's memory.
After the official ceremony, everyone enjoyed donuts and latkes while the children made candles.
Thursday was the third night of the eight-day holiday.
“The menorah serves as a symbol of Guelph's dedication to preserve and encourage the right and liberty of all its citizens to worship G‑d freely, openly, and with pride. Specifically in Canada, a nation that was founded upon and vigorously protects the right of every person to practice his or her religion free from restraint and persecution.” said Rabbi Steiner.
