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“The fifth day of Hanukah is sort of like the tipping (point), where even on the menorah we recognize more light than darkness,” said Rabbi Levi Stone, executive director of Chabad’s Schneerson Center for Jewish Life. “And that’s the message of Hanukkah. … There should be more light than darkness.”
Then he lit five of the candelabra’s eight candles, each representing one night of the eight-day holiday.
Known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah marks the victory of the ancient Israelites over the Syrian Greek army and the rededication of the Holy Temple.
Someone dressed as Judah Maccabee, the leader of the rebel army that took control of the temple, was also in attendance for the celebration.
Stone said he hopes that aquarium visitors walking by the menorah take it as a symbol that “good will always conquer evil.”
Curious children stopped in Newman’s Own Hall — a prominent area of the aquarium near the entrance — to check out the menorah. A few children played with a dreidel balloon.
Hanukkah music played from the speakers, and traditional latkes and jelly doughnuts were were served up for the taking.
Stone said the aquarium staff constructed a menorah in the shape of a fish, which he said was “very creative.”
The fish is also kosher, the rabbi said, because it has fins and scales.
The center also sponsored menorahs in Westport, Wilton and Weston. It also co-sponsored the menorah at Stew Leonard's in Norwalk and held a party for young professionals at The Loft in Norwalk on Thursday evening.
“We’re very busy for the holiday,” Stone said.
For more information on The Schneerson Center for Jewish Life, visit its website here.
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