traditionally, the menorah lit inside of a jewish temple has seven lights, representing the branches of human knowledge, and leaning towards the central light, representing god.
a hanukkah menorah, however, has eight lights, with a raised central light set apart as the shamash, or servant, and used to light the other eight. this menorah is also closely associated with the hanukkah jewish holiday at this time of year.
andrews explained the lighting of the menorah at city hall is a very recent phenomenon.
“because we’ve lived in countries where we’ve been persecuted, so having a menorah lighting where we can be a participant in greater society, where we are respected and valued as much as any minority, is of incredible significance.
“it means we are home, we are here, we are present, and we have been acknowledged and appreciated.
andrews said jews have been a religious and ethnic minority throughout the past 2,000 years, watching how cities, organizations and institutions have valued christianity, allowing christmas tree lighting ceremonies.
“we have watched that from the outside. so something like this at city hall puts us on the inside and that is of incredible significance.”