By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
For the first time in its history, North Attleborough marked Hanukkah with a public menorah lighting, as residents gathered Sunday afternoon at Veterans Park for a celebration centered on light, unity and community.
The event, organized by Rabbi Yossi Kivman of the Chabad Jewish Center in Mansfield, was inspired by the broader Chabad movement’s tradition of public menorah lightings. These began more than 50 years ago as a way to bring the message of Hanukkah beyond the synagogue and into public spaces.
While the Chabad Jewish Center has hosted menorah lightings in neighboring communities since its founding in 2007, Kivman said Jewish residents of North Attleborough who are a part of his congregation were ready to bring the tradition to their town and share it with the community.
“Hanukkah is about spreading light over darkness, good over evil, and positivity and kindness to everyone,” said Kivman. “It’s a universal message.”
Sunday’s celebration began with a menorah parade, a new addition this year. Community members gathered at the synagogue in Mansfield with menorahs displayed atop their cars and drove in a procession through Mansfield and Plainville before arriving in North Attleborough. Kivman said the parade was added due to the recent antisemitic violence in Australia, emphasizing that the response to hatred is to increase light and positivity.
At Veterans Park, attendees were able to experience a taste of Hanukkah traditions, such as latkes, friend donuts and dreidels handed out to the children. A highlight of the day was the “gelt drop,” where chocolate coins – symbolizing Hanukkah gelt, traditionally given to children to encourage charitable giving – were dropped from above with help from the North Attleborough Electric Department.
“It’s a warm and happy celebration, with a positive, uplifting vibe,” said Kivman.
Kivman noted the strong turnout from both Jewish and non-Jewish residents, reflecting on what he called an outpouring of support from town officials and the process of bringing this celebration to North Attleborough.
Sarah Johnson, who attended with her two young children, said her non-Jewish family was excited to see what a menorah lighting was all about.
“It was actually my kindergartener who saw the menorah in front of Town Hall and said ‘Hey, we learned about Hanukkah in school,’” said Johnson. “I saw a flyer about the lighting on Facebook and wanted to check it out.”
Kivman shared a quote he said captured the sense of solidarity he has witnessed in recent weeks: “You don’t have to be of the Jewish faith; you just have to have faith in Jews.”
Town officials offered brief marks before the menorah was lit. Kivman then led the traditional blessings before the crowd joined in on the dancing and celebrations.
For Kivman, the most meaningful part of events like these is hearing from people who said the public display makes them feel seen, inspired or included.
“Sometimes it can be tough, but when people tell me how much it meant to them to see a menorah in their town, it makes it all worth it,” said Kivman. “A little bit of light can go a very long way.”