Rabbi Meir Shmotkin Chabad of Alameda lit a public 9-foot Hanukkah menorah at Alameda Point last Sunday, the fourth night of the eight-day holiday. While the scope of the ceremony was limited to a drive-in only event amid Alameda’s ongoing coronavirus emergency, the lights shone forth as brightly as ever.

This year’s menorah lighting was done with the recognition of the crucial need for a message of hope during what for many is a very difficult time.