Hanukkah Starts In Owings Mills With Fire Show

OWINGS MILLS, MD — Fiery performers and local singers ushered in the start of Hanukkah in Owings Mills over the weekend.

The Jewish holiday began at sundown on Sunday, Nov. 28. It continues through Monday, Dec. 6.

Known as the "Festival of Lights," Hanukkah is celebrated by lighting a menorah nightly for eight evenings. It is designed to celebrate the time the Jews, led by Judah the Maccabee, defeated a Greek-Syrian army in the 2nd century B.C. to reclaim the Holy Temple of Jerusalem and the one-day supply of oil left in the temple lasted for eight days.

The Gordon Center in Owings Mills hosted an "Illumination Celebration" Sunday night featuring fire dancers and fire jugglers, among other performers.

About 1,300 people signed up to attend the free outdoor event, organizers told the Baltimore Sun, which reported it marked the first time the Los Angeles-based performance group The Dancing Fire made its way to Maryland. Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 was required, in accordance with the Gordon Center's policy.

Baltimore County Police Chief Melissa Hyatt, Councilman Izzy Patoka and gubernatorial candidate Kelly Shulz were among those in attendance at the Illumination Celebration.

The Baltimore teen singing group HaZamira also performed.

How are you celebrating Hanukkah? Tell us in the comments!

Happy Hanukkah! Let the Festival of Lights begin. I wish all those who are celebrating eight nights filled with joy, love and good health — and many more to come. #HappyHanukkah pic.twitter.com/uadMUDFyqW
— Izzy Patoka (@CouncilmanIzzy) November 28, 2021

I had a great time joining friends and celebrating the first night of Hanukkah in Owings Mills at the Jewish Community Center. May all Marylanders celebrating the Festival of Lights continue to find happiness and good health! pic.twitter.com/1sXgjN1TiL
— Kelly Schulz (@KellyMSchulz) November 29, 2021

See Also: When Does Hanukkah Start In 2021: 5 Things To Know In MD