SLO celebrates second night of Hanukkah with menorah lighting at Mission Plaza
San Luis Obispo’s Jewish community gathered with friends and neighbors Thursday night for the city’s annual Hanukkah celebration downtown.
The JCC Federation, along with Downtown SLO and other groups, hosted the annual menorah lighting in Mission Plaza at 5 p.m. Rabbi Micah Hyman conducted the lighting ceremony.
Thursday’s event came on the second night of the holiday, which lasts for eight nights. The menorah will be lit each day at 5 p.m. throughout the entirety of the festival.
The tradition dates back to Rabbi Harry Manhoff of Congregation Beth David and Father Jim Nisbet of Old Mission Church, who made plans to celebrate Hanukkah at the center of town in December 1990.
“This beacon represents the Jewish community’s endurance through challenging times and serves as a light that brings our diverse community together,” the Downtown SLO organization said on its website.
The annual event also featured Hanukkah songs, children’s activities and traditional holiday foods, according to Downtown SLO.
For more information about Hanukkah celebrations in San Luis Obispo, visit jccslo.com.
This story was originally published December 26, 2024 at 7:44 PM.
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