LYNNFIELD — Residents gathered on a chilly evening to celebrate Hanukkah with a public menorah lighting ceremony on the Town Common, marking a decade of the annual tradition.
The event was led by Rabbi Yossi Lipsker, director and founder of Chabad of the North Shore, who has overseen public menorah lightings throughout the region for the past 10 years.
Approximately 30 community members attended, including families, children, and Town officials.
This year’s ceremony featured a large outdoor menorah, with the flames physically lit using tiki torches, adding both drama and warmth to the winter night.
In a show of solidarity and celebration, the Town of Lynnfield turned the lights of the trees on the Common tree blue for the occasion, a color closely associated with Jewish tradition and Israel.
Three residents were invited to take part in the lighting. Sasha Cooper, Jason Freshman, and Noah Book each lit one of the candles, while Town Administrator Rob Dolan had the honor of lighting the first candle of the evening, the Shamas, which is the middle candle used to light the others.
Cooper said she enjoyed lighting the menorah in the Common: “It was nice to celebrate Hanukkah.”
But her favorite part might have been the warm apple cider on the cold night.
The participants were greeted with applause and encouragement from the crowd, underscoring the family-friendly spirit of the event.
Rabbi Lipsker kept his remarks upbeat and child-centered, emphasizing joy, pride, and positivity.
“I want every single child that’s here to remember this night,” he said.
He led the crowd in song, inviting children to come forward and sing along, helping to warm spirits as temperatures dropped. Following the singing, blessings were recited and the candles were lit together.
Rabbi Lipsker noted that this year marked the 10th anniversary of Lynnfield’s menorah lighting, recalling that when the idea was first introduced, the Town immediately embraced it. Since then, public menorah lightings have grown across the region, with more than 25 ceremonies now held throughout the North Shore.
Town officials echoed the message of inclusion.
Dolan, on the symbolism of light, called it “a sign of hope and the triumph of light over darkness” and emphasized Lynnfield’s commitment to celebrating all faiths.
“We want to make sure Lynnfield is open to all, inclusive of all, and celebrates all traditions,” he said.
After the ceremony, attendees gathered to enjoy apple cider, donuts, and latkes, sharing conversation and warmth as the blue-lit tree and menorah glowed against the night sky.
The evening served as both a celebration of Hanukkah and a reminder of the strength found in community, tradition, and shared light during the darkest time of the year.
Editor’s Note: Creative Director Spenser Hasak contributed to this article.
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Rabbi Yossi Lipsker, director and founder of Chabad of the North Shore, welcomes people to Lynnfield's menorah lighting ceremony in the Town Common.
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Rabbi Yossi Lipsker, director and founder of Chabad of the North Shore, welcomes people to Lynnfield's menorah lighting ceremony in the Town Common.
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Rabbi Yossi Lipsker, director and founder of Chabad of the North Shore, leads the crowd gathered for Lynnfield's menorah lighting ceremony in song before the menorah is lit.
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Joe Gallagher carries his daughter, Ida, on his shoulders while his daughter, Millie, stands next to him during Lynnfield's menorah lighting ceremony on Tuesday.
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Lynnfield Town Administrator Rob Dolan helps Rabbi Yossi Lipsker, director and founder of Chabad of the North Shore, light the shamash during Lynnfield's menorah lighting celebration.
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The shamash, the candle used to light the other candles of a menorah, stands out among the blue lights in the trees around Lynnfield Common in celebration of Hanukkah.
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Rabbi Yossi Lipsker, director and founder of Chabad of the North Shore, helps Sasha Cooper, of Lynnfield, light the first candle of Lynnfield's menorah.
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Rabbi Yossi Lipsker, director and founder of Chabad of the North Shore, helps Jason Freshman, of Lynnfield, light the second candle of Lynnfield's menorah.
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Lynnfield residents gather around the menorah in the Common in celebration of Hanukkah.
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Lynnfield residents gather around the menorah in the Common in celebration of Hanukkah.
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
The menorah is lit in Lynnfield Common in celebration of Hanukkah.
