San Francisco, CA — The spirit of Hanukkah lit up the heart of the Castro as the annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony took place at Jane Warner Plaza, on December 16, at 6 PM. Residents and visitors alike gathered on a crisp evening to celebrate the Festival of Lights with music, traditional blessings, and warm community spirit.
The ceremony featured the illumination of the menorah’s candles, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. Attendees enjoyed live performances, dreidel games, and delicious treats like latkes and jelly donuts, adding a festive touch to the occasion.
This event was about bringing people together to share in the joy and meaning of Hanukkah and an opportunity for everyone—no matter their background—to come together in joy and reflection.
The event was open to all, welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds to come together in celebration. Organizers expressed gratitude to the community for making this annual tradition a glowing success.
The Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Jane Warner Plaza has become a cherished holiday tradition, showcasing Castro’s commitment to inclusivity, cultural celebration, and community connection. The event was brought to you by the following sponsors: Castro LGBTQ Cultural District, Castro Community Benefit District, Castro Merchants Association, and Friends of Harvey Milk Plaza.
The Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiah, is a nine-branched candelabrum central to the Jewish Festival of Lights. Its roots trace back over 2,000 years to the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt. According to tradition, a small quantity of oil meant to last only one day miraculously burned for eight days, symbolizing divine intervention and resilience.
The menorah holds deep spiritual and cultural significance. Its nine branches include one for each of the eight days of Hanukkah and a central branch for the shamash, or "helper" candle, used to light the others. The ritual of lighting one candle each night, accompanied by blessings and songs, reflects the themes of hope, perseverance, and the enduring power of light over darkness.
San Francisco, with its rich diversity and commitment to inclusivity, has embraced Hanukkah as an opportunity to celebrate Jewish heritage and values. The city’s vibrant Jewish community and broader public join together to honor the holiday, which resonates with universal messages of freedom, resilience, and community.
Watch: How to light the Hanukkah Menorah.
The menorah should ideally be placed in a window or doorway where it is visible to others, symbolizing the public proclamation of the Hanukkah miracle. Candles are placed in the menorah from right to left, with the newest candle added to the farthest-left spot each night.
The menorah is traditionally lit after sunset, though some communities may light it slightly earlier if necessary. On Friday evening, it is lit before the Shabbat candles, as no flames can be kindled after Shabbat begins. The candles should burn for at least 30 minutes after nightfall.
Use the shamash, the central or elevated candle, to light the other candles. Light the newest candle first, moving from left to right as you light the candles each night.
Before lighting the candles, recite the following blessings (brachot):
"Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah."
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light the Hanukkah lights.
"Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, she’asah nisim la’avoteinu bayamim haheim baz’man hazeh."
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time.
"Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, shehecheyanu v’kiy’manu v’higiyanu la’zman hazeh."
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season.
After lighting the candles, many families sing songs like “Maoz Tzur” (Rock of Ages) and enjoy traditional Hanukkah foods like latkes (potato pancakes) or sufganiyot (jelly-filled donuts).
Leave the menorah lit and visible, allowing its light to inspire reflection on the miracle of Hanukkah and the values of hope and perseverance.
