Locals begin to celebrate Hanukkah

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - This week Hanukkah started on Sunday, December 14th, encouraging family and friends to come together and celebrate.

The holiday, also known as the festival of light, celebrates the story of perseverance, hope, and blessings.

Each night, people gather together to light another candle on the menorah.

“The nice thing is you can spread it out and be with friends one night or family the other night, and kind of spread it through the week, we exchange small gifts, we share lots of stories, and light and love,” says Rachael Barkley, a member of the local Jewish community.

Meanwhile, Kristine Lavotshkin, another local member, says everyone is welcome to celebrate the holiday.

“You want to come, come on in, come check it out because it’s really special," Lavotshkin said.

She says she loves to hear different discourse.

“It’s about debating with what we believe and in sharing knowledge, and wisdom, and having conversations, and still laughing and eating laoticus at the end,” Lavotshkin explains.

Barkley also shares what the holiday is all about.

“Sharing out light with everybody, and spreading the light by lighting our candles hopefully with the world to make it a better place, make more people love each other than hate each other,” said Barkley.

There are still six days left, this means six candles are left to light as the festival and celebrations continue.