Dozens gathered by the Naperville Riverwalk to take part in the Naperville community menorah lighting, which for the second year in a row was made of ice.
“When people bring you in to be apart of something special to them that’s huge, and it means a lot,” said ice sculptor Dan Rebholz. “Just about anything and everything I’ve sculpted in ice. That’s what I tell people. We’re only limited by your imagination, so if dream it we can create it.”
Leaders of the Naperville community came out to show their support.
“We’re a diverse community, and we have many, many nations that are represented, and many religions that represented. We’re one. I just wanted to show some support,” said Mayor Steve Chirico.
This year’s lighting holds special meaning as the celebration also called for remembrance for those who lost their lives in the October 27 synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh.
“The hope is to bring comfort to their souls,” said Rabbi Mendy Goldstein. “At the same time, honoring them by not being affected by the darkness, but contrary stand as proud people, stand as proud Jews, and celebrate being Jewish.”
Naperville News 17’s Christian Canizal reports.