HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Base officials will host the annual menorah lighting Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. outside the base chapel.
Col. Taona Enriquez, installation commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Alan Weary, installation command chief, will be joined by Chaplain (Capt.) Rabbi Ezra Frazer, an individual mobilization augmentee at Hanscom AFB, to officially light the menorah.
The menorah lighting marks the beginning of Hanukkah, an eight-day celebration commemorating the liberation of Jerusalem and the Jewish temple from the ancient Syrian-Greek empire in 139 B.C.E.
“Hanukkah celebrations hold significance in American Jewish culture as they coincide with other major holidays widely observed in the United States,” said Frazer.
He also highlighted the connection to military service.
“In the Hanukkah story, the ancient Maccabees used military force not as an end, but as a means to obtain freedom to practice their Jewish faith,” said Frazer. “The menorah's light symbolizes that the military victory served as a pathway to reconnect with their faith.”
Frazer feels the messages associated with Hanukkah “resonate” within the military community.
“We take an oath to defend the constitution, including freedom of religion,” he said. “We use force when necessary, but our ultimate mission is to safeguard our values of freedom and justice, not to glorify the use of force for its own sake.”
Following the menorah lighting, a reception with Hannukah cuisine and related activities will take place.
The event is open only to those with base access, including all who live in Hanscom AFB family housing.
Those planning to attend are requested to RSVP no later than Dec. 1, to Chaplain (Maj.) Kimberly Hall at kimberly.hall.15@us.af.mil.