Local Jewish leaders and congregants gathered Dec. 4 in Bethlehem for the 10th annual Hanukkah Menorah lighting ceremony.

Rabbi Yaakov Halperin and Rabbi Michael Singer joined Bethlehem Business Manager Eric Evans on the third day of Hanukkah for a lighting of the huge Menorah that has been temporarily erected on Payrow Plaza. Evans represented Mayor Robert Donchez.

While standing beside the nine-armed hanukkiah, Rabbi Halperin re-told the story of how one day’s worth of olive oil had lasted seven more days while more oil could be brought from outside Jerusalem.

“The oil that was expected to last for one day lasted for seven days,” said the Rabbi. “It is a reminder of the simple stuff in life…the simple things that we have that we always take for granted.”

The group of Jewish and government leaders were elevated to reach the lights at the top of the menorah in a Bethlehem Fire Department truck, with Rabbi Yaacov Halperin representing the Chabad Lubavitch of the Lehigh Valley, located in Allentown. He was accompanied by his children, Zevy, 11, Sarah, 8, and Chana, 14.

Bethlehem joined hundreds of other cities throughout the world commemorating this centuries-old tradition.

David Caine and his family, congregants of Temple Beth El in Allentown, joined the festive event. “We come every year for the menorah lighting,” said Caine. He was accompanied by his wife, Sarah, his daughter Judith, 9, and his son Etan, 11.

Also attending were Bethlehem residents Lori Evans and her daughter Leigha Evans. “We’re here for the menorah lighting,” said Lori. “It’s our holiday.”