Lichel Johnston, Contributing Photographer

Dozens of New Haven residents flocked to the Green Thursday evening to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah — the Jewish Festival of Lights — with the lighting of the city’s menorah. 

As they waited for the ceremony to start, students of the Yeshivas Beis Dovid Shlomo gathered in a circle to dance the horah, a traditional circle dance with lively music. The students also gave out donuts,filled with jelly and custard, which are traditionally eaten on Hanukkah; the fried pastry symbolizes the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days. Along with the donuts, refreshments and do-it-yourself menorah kits were distributed to the public as part of the celebration. 

Rabbi Shua Slavin, the program director of the Yeshiva, shared the message of the holiday with the assembled crowd.

“We’re celebrating the first night of Hanukkah, and really Hanukkah is the message of light,” Slavin said. “At a time in our world where there seems to be a lot of darkness, it’s imperative that each one of us finds the light and spreads it.” 

This was the 42nd annual lighting of the menorah on the Green, and some residents told the News that the ceremony is an important celebration of Jewish life in New Haven. 

“I’m happy we’re represented,” said Ben Hoffman, a Stamford native who recently relocated to the Elm City with his family. 

Mayor Justin Elicker did the honors of lighting the shamash, or “helper” candle, which is in the center of the menorah and is used to light the other candles. Elicker had assistance from the New Haven Department of Parks and Recreation, which provided a lift to the top of the 30-foot menorah.

Given the recent surge of antisemitic incidents in the United States, Elicker said that there was a heightened police presence at the ceremony to ensure safety.

“The symbolism of Hanukkah is important in particular at this time because the story is one in which a miracle happens, and it gives us inspiration that in these very difficult times, we’re hoping for peace,” Elicker told the News.

The bright lights illuminating downtown New Haven will shine for eight days as Hanukkah progresses. 

Yeshivas Beis Dovid Shlomo is located at 342 Ellsworth Ave.