Menorah lighting in uptown Waterloo marks start of Hanukkah

Rabbi Moshe Goldman says he loves to see the crowds that come out to watch the lighting of a five-metre high menorah in Waterloo Public Square each year.

Tuesday's event marks the start of Hanukkah, the eight days festival of lights celebrated by those of the Jewish faith.

Goldman said there's always a great turnout for the lighting.

"We know that this is an event that people don't care what the weather is, which is very encouraging to us," he said. "We see people coming out in sleet or freezing rain or snow and ice or 20 C below we've had all kinds of weather and the people attending this event treat it like the mailman. They don't care."

Goldman said the Jewish community in Waterloo region isn't large "we have a very low profile, we're not that big. It's not Toronto, it's not Montreal, it's not New York" but the event holds special importance.

"It's something that is more than just another thing to do," he said.

"People are really touched and moved by it. It's a spiritual experience. It's meant to be. And we're proud to be able to put it on for Waterloo region."

Try latkes, sufganiyot

They will also be collecting new winter gear, socks and underwear for the One Roof Youth Services. New items can be donated at the event.

Goldman said a highlight for him each year is being able to see the crowd from above as he helps light the 4.8 metre tall, locally-built menorah.

"I get to go up in the lift every year and look down at the crowd and see everybody just waiting for the light to be lit and that anticipation and that collective yearning, I would call it, to see the menorah get lit," he said.

The lighting is open to anyone, not just members of the Rohr Chabad Centre for Jewish Life in Waterloo. The festivities begin at 6 p.m.

There will be Hanukkah treats, including potato pancakes called latkes and jelly-filled donuts calls sufganiyot, and the event is free for anyone.

Tuesday's menorah lighting is on CBC K-W'sfamily holiday activity calendar. Be sure to play along for your chance to win some CBC swag. Send us photos of your holidays to yournewskw@cbc.ca or tag us on social media, @CBCKW891 for both Twitter and Instagram or head over to our Facebook page.