SeeCalifornia.com

Right around the time of Christmas when Christians symbolically light trees, Jews celebrate Chanukah by lighting the Menorah. Californians are increasingly adding Menorah Lightings to their city programs and it’s no surprise why– Los Angeles has the fourth largest Jewish population of any city in the world!  We’ve compiled a list of Menorah Lightings, in California coming up this week and next.  Most events are free to see and invite the public (all religions and faiths) to participate.  Noteworthy among the ceremonies and celebrations is one held in San Francisco to light the “mama” Menorah in Union Square. Erected with support from late Holocaust survivor/rock music promoter Bill Graham, the public display became part of an annual Hanukkah Festival of Lights in Union Square. The eight day event draws many civic and community leaders and variety of artists from the Bay Area music community. Celebrities from Carlos Santana to George Zimmer have participated in lighting the Menorah. This year it takes place for 8 days from December 8 to 15, 2012.