It's an annual tradition for Rabbi Meir Kaplan, director of Chabad Vancouver Island, to visit Victoria mayor Dean Fortin's office and light the first candle in a menorah to celebrate Hanukkah. Kaplan and Fortin were joined this year by councillor Lisa Helps and members of the mayor's staff. Kaplan explained the symbolism of the ceremony before lighting the candle.
Following the candle lighting, Kaplan explained the dreidel game, and played a few times with those in the office, as well as giving out Sufganiyot (Israeli jelly donuts), both traditions connected to Hanukkah.
The rabbi also explained that Hanukkah is normally spelled Chanukah but for North American ears the first spelling provides a more correct pronunciation.
