WILKES-BARRE -- A group of runners reached the Jewish Community Center shortly after 5 p.m. Tuesday carrying the torch that would light the menorah, starting the celebration of Hanukkah.
This was the 46th year for the torch run at the Jewish Community Center in Wilkes-Barre, kicking off the eight-day festival of lights.
People of the Jewish faith sang in Hebrew after lighting the menorah outside the center on South River Street.
Hanukkah is a celebration of a miracle centuries ago when a small amount of oil burned bright for eight days helping to rededicate a holy temple in Jerusalem that was won back by a small Jewish army.
A few dozen folks then sat down to dinner inside the JCC.
Each day Jews light one more light on the menorah.
This will be one of the last Hanukkah gatherings at the JCC in Wilkes-Barre.
The Jewish Community Alliance plans to move across the river to Kingston to a Jewish life center.
But for now this night was all about fellowship and celebrating religious freedom.
