Traditional Menorah Lighting Illuminates City Hall

The City of Agoura Hills annual Hanukkah celebration and Menorah lighting took place at City Hall Tuesday morning.

Presided over by Rabbi Moshe Bryski of the Chabad of the Conejo, the festivities included a performance by children from the Thousand Oaks Jewish Day School, the ceremonial lighting of the Menorah by city officials and the passing out of the traditional jelly donuts.

"I've known Rabbi Bryski for almost 20 years, and I'd like to think we're bringing a light to the community," said Mayor Denis Weber.

Bryski addressed those gathered, briefly retelling the story of Hanukkah to explain its significant message even today.

"The holiday is about religious freedom," he said. "The Jews [of the time] weren't threated physically, they were threatened that they weren't allowed to practice their faith, so they fought the Macabees ... There's no better place to celebrate religious freedom than at places of government."

The children gave a 10 minute performance of Hanukkah songs before Bryski had Weber, Mayor Pro Tem William D. Koehler, Councilmember Illece Buckley-Weber and City Manger Greg Ramirez light the Menorah.