THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021 Page 3 Everett celebrates arrival of Hanukkah By Christopher Roberson O n the second night of Hanukkah, residents joined city officials in front of City Hall to celebrate Everett’s fifth annual Menorah lighting. During the November 29 ceremony, Rabbi Sruli Baron of Tobin Bridge Chabad spoke about the history of the eight-day Festival of Lights, which dates back more than 3,300 years. At that time, Baron said, Israel was occupied by the Syrian-Greek Army, led by Antiochus IV Epiphanes. “The SyrRabbi Sruli Baron of Tobin Bridge Chabad Shown, from left to right, during the fifth annual Hanukkah Menorah Lighting in Everett, are State Representative Joseph McGonagle, Ward 6 Councillor Michael McLaughlin, Ward 2 School Committee Member-Elect Jason Marcus, Councillor-at-Large John Hanlon, Councillor-at-Large-Elect Stephanie Smith, Rabbi Sruli Baron of Tobin Bridge Chabad, Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie Martins, School Committee Member-at-Large Millie Cardello, State Senator Sal DiDomenico, Ward 5 Councillor Rosa DiFlorio and Ward 3 Councillor Anthony DiPierro. (Photos Courtesy of the City of Everett) very long. “A brave group of people called the Maccabees banded together and rose up against the mighty Greek Army,” said Baron. “After a series of miraculous military victories, they succeeded in driving the Greeks from the land.” HANUKKAH | SEE PAGE 5 Everett Communications Director Deanna Deveney spoke on behalf of Mayor Carlo DeMaria. ian-Greeks wanted to Hellenize the land of Israel – essentially obliterate the Jewish religion from the land,” said Baron. Shortly thereafter, a series of Decrees went into effect, making it illegal to practice the Jewish religion. Baron said the Jewish people continued to practice their religion despite being forced into hiding. However, that did not last for
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