Submitted by Wendy Gloyd – Westford Resident
On the first night of Hanukkah, community members gathered on the Town Common for the annual Chabad Menorah lighting, affirming the power of presence, connection, and light during a time of global and national uncertainty.
The gathering came on the heels of widely reported acts of gun violence in Sydney, Australia, and at Brown University — events that could understandably give pause to public gatherings. Yet, rather than retreat, residents chose to come together in even greater number, underscoring a collective commitment to solidarity, resilience, and mutual care.
Rabbi Zalman, who led the ceremony, set a thoughtful and uplifting tone for the evening. In his remarks, he shared that his own family has personal connections to the recent shootings in Australia, reinforcing how interconnected our world has become and how tragic events half a world away can directly touch individuals within our own community. His reflections underscored that global events are no longer distant headlines, but experiences that ripple through families and local communities alike.
Throughout his presentation, Rabbi Zalman repeatedly expressed appreciation for the Westford Police Department and the town’s support in making the event possible. The presence of three Westford police officers standing out in the cold to provide safety and protection was warmly acknowledged and appreciated by those in attendance. Their visible presence helped create a sense of reassurance, allowing the community to gather fully in the spirit of the evening.
Rabbi Zalman also centered the ceremony on joy and gratitude — offering thanks for the strength of the local community, town leadership, and the small but meaningful grace of the evening’s snowfall. The snow transformed what had been an icy, nearly unwalkable Common just a day earlier into a calm and accessible gathering space, contributing to the welcoming atmosphere.
Following the event, Rabbi Zalman reflected on the broader meaning of the gathering, noting the importance of interfaith and community solidarity. “The Jewish community was also deeply touched by the attendance of numerous local non-Jewish residents, who came to show support and solidarity with our community,” he shared.
Hanukkah commemorates a story of perseverance — the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness — and that symbolism resonated deeply with attendees. Rabbi Zalman echoed this theme by repeating a phrase he shared both at the Westford menorah lighting and again the following evening at a menorah lighting ceremony in Lowell: “Globalize the Light.” He offered this message as a call to respond to fear, division, and hate not with more darkness, but with intentional acts of goodness. He reminded those present that light, when shared, has the power to dispel even the deepest darkness. The lighting of the menorah is more than a religious observance — it is also a shared civic moment, reminding participants that hope is something built together through presence and care.
Many who attended remarked on the sense of connection they felt standing alongside neighbors, friends, and fellow residents. Familiar faces strengthened existing bonds, while the presence of new community members reflected a broader spirit of inclusion and solidarity. The gathering stood as a quiet but powerful statement: that even amid troubling news and uncertainty, community can be a source of strength.
As the menorah’s lights burned warmly against the cold winter evening, the message was clear — showing up matters. In choosing to gather, the community reaffirmed a shared belief in resilience, gratitude, and the enduring importance of standing together.
