By James Tinley Register Staff
Luggage Replica HandbagsNEW HAVEN -- It wasn't quite on the same level of the Hanukkah miracle described by the faithful, but candles burned in the pouring rain Sunday night at the ceremonial menorah lighting on the city Green.
The steady downpour that soaked through shoes and jackets couldn't stop those gathered to celebrate Hanukkah from singing and dancing.
Rabbi Sheya Hecht, headmaster of the Southern Connecticut Hebrew Academy, said Hanukkah is a celebration to be publicized no matter the weather.
"The holiday of Hanukkah is one where the message is to be put out in the streets. ... The miracle is not only the miracle of the lights and the candles burning for eight days when there was only enough oil for one. The miracle is also the victory of right over might, and that which is right over tyranny and oppression, and that's a universal message, rain or shine."
When the cherry picker hired to light the large menorah on the Green was delayed for more than 30 minutes with no apparent explanation, there were no grumbles, only songs.
"The central Green is the center of the city, and it is the common ground where all of New Haven comes together, and it is appropriate, whatever the weather, to gather and acknowledge the values we share and that are reflected in the this common piece of ground," said Mayor John Destefano Jr. "Now, if only we had a way to get up there."
Eventually, Hecht decided to improvise.
A small cardboard menorah mounted on an upturned Wallets And Pouches Bags Replica
embroidered patches trash barrel Sunday replaced the towering electric menorah on the Green.
About 50 people gathered around when, with great care and after many attempts, the four candles on the menorah stayed lit long enough for a prayer. The cherry picker arrived just after the candles went out and the song of prayer ended.
Yosi Wolf, 16, said the rain only added to the ceremony.
"Every night (of Hanukkah) is exciting. Tonight was even more exciting. The whole festival of Hanukkah is to show we can bring light to the world, the victory of light over darkness.
Light always prevails, no matter what. It could be rain, it could be dark, it could be a thunderstorm. Light always prevails, even tonight," Wolf said.
James Tinley can be reached at or 203-789- 5702.
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