Beverly Hills Marks Second Night of Hanukkah With Menorah Lighting Ceremony

A large crowd of residents, families, and community leaders filled the park shortly after sundown, reflecting a strong desire to come together in a moment defined by tradition and collective strength. Mayor Sharona Nazarian was joined by the full Beverly Hills City Council, city leadership, educators, and public safety officials, underscoring the city’s commitment to honoring faith, culture, and shared civic values in a public setting.

This year’s ceremony carried added resonance following recent global events, including the deadly attack on a Hanukkah celebration in Australia. In response, the Beverly Hills Police Department maintained a strong and visible presence throughout the evening, with officers, traffic control personnel, and the department’s aerial drone, Hawkeye, on site to help ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all in attendance.

The evening emphasized the enduring symbolism of Hanukkah, a holiday rooted in the belief that even a small light can push back against darkness.

“Light grows when it is shared,” Mayor Nazarian said, reflecting the ceremony’s central message of unity and resilience.

The program also featured performances by students from Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy, whose choir brought warmth and joy to the gathering. Their participation highlighted the importance of passing tradition from one generation to the next and celebrating cultural identity openly and proudly.

As city leaders gathered to light the Menorah, the moment became a visible expression of solidarity and togetherness. The ceremony concluded with a sense of quiet optimism, reinforcing the idea that community, connection, and light remain powerful forces, even in challenging times.