Sunday, December 9, 2012
There are numerous holidays celebrated in the month of December. One of them is Chanukah. The celebration is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar. The festival is observed by the kindling of the lights of a unique candelabrum, the nine-branched Menorah or Hanukiah, one additional light on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night. The typical Menorah consists of eight branches with an additional raised branch. The extra light is called a shamash and is given a distinct location, usually above or below the rest. For the past three years Norcross has celebrated Chanukah with the lighting of a 10 foot menorah. This year the celebration was held at Thrasher Park. Hundreds of people came out to celebrate with songs, dance, fire, food and of course the lighting of the candles. I photographed the celebration as part of a Three of a Kind photo feature for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Ethan Ooziel (left) and Solomon Raggs help decorate a 10 foot menorah at Thrasher Park in Norcross on Sunday, December 9, 2012.
Jonathan Reizis helps decorate a 10 foot menorah at Thrasher Park in Norcross on Sunday, December 9, 2012.
Daniel Sharabany (left) chases after a balloon during the third annual Chanukah celebration at Thrasher Park in Nocross on Sunday, December 9, 2012.
Dekel Balsar holds his twin children Adam and Aviv during the thrid annual Chanukah celebration at Thrasher Park in Norcross on Sunday, December 9, 2012.
Aaron Antonich juggles fire during the third annual Chanukah celebration at Thrasher Park in Norcross on Sunday, December 9, 2012.
Aaron Antonich juggles fire during the third annual Chanukah celebration at Thrasher Park in Norcross on Sunday, December 9, 2012.
Aaron Antonich juggles fire during the third annual Chanukah celebration at Thrasher Park in Norcross on Sunday, December 9, 2012.
Rabbi Yossi Lerman lights the 10 foot menorah at Thrasher Park in Norcross on Sunday, December 9, 2012.
Rabbi Yossi Lerman lights the 10 foot menorah at Thrasher Park in Norcross on Sunday, December 9, 2012.
Shaina Lerman (left) and Eyal Erusi prepare plates of latkes for Gail Dryburgh and hundreds of others during the lighting of the menorah at Thrasher Park in Norcross on Sunday, December 9, 2012.