Delray's holiday season begins with lighting of menorah
Delray Beach Mayor Woodie McDuffie, left, with state Sen. Maria Sachs, Vice Mayor and Commissioner Adam Frankel, state Rep. Mack Bernard, state Rep. Lori Berman and City Commissioner Angeleta Gray.
By David Sedore, Palm Beach Business.com
DELRAY BEACH — The holiday season officially began in Delray Beach Wednesday evening with a quietly festive lighting of the first candle of the city's menorah, which marks the first night of Hanukkah.
The menorah, donated by city resident Andre Fladell, stands on Old School Square Park about 50 feet or so from a nativity scene donated by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and in front of Delray Beach’s mammoth 100-foot Christmas tree, which is set to be lighted Thursday evening in a ceremony that is expected to draw thousands to downtown Delray Beach.
Mayor Woodie McDuffie, who helped preside over the ceremony, noted the Delray’s embrace of different races, cultures and religions. “We are a city of inclusiveness,” McDuffie said. “This is a tremendous celebration.”
Former Delray Beach Mayor Jeff Perlman gave a brief history of events that Hanukkah commemorates — the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem 2,200 years ago after its desecration by armies of the King of Syria. After the Maccabees defeated the Syrians, they found oil enough to light the temple’s eternal flame for one day. By a miracle, the oil lasted eight days, long enough to prepare and consecrate a new supply for the temple.
Kings Point resident Irene Wolins sang a shortened version of a traditional Jewish prayer afterwards. “You’re thanking God for letting us do this tonight,” Wolins said, explaining the song’s meaning.
On hand for the lighting were city commissioners Fred Fetzer, Angeleta Gray, Gary Eliopoulos and Adam Frankel, state Sen. Maria Sachs, Rep. Mack Bernard and newly elected Rep. Lori Berman.
Former Mayor Jeff Perlman, with Sachs and Frankel.
Kings Point resident Irene Wolins, left, sings a traditional Jewish prayer to mark the lighting ceremony. Andre Fladell, who donated the menorah to the city, stands between Sen. Maria Sachs and Vice Mayor Adam Frankel.
