Bicycle Menorah Celebrates Beacon, People, and Illumination During Hannukah

The bicycle menorah during its fourth night, before the fourth candle was mounted, which celebrated Planet Protectors.

Every night since Sunday, December 6th, the Beacon Hebrew Alliance has been lighting the menorah at Polhill Park (at the corner of Main Street and South Avenue) one bicycle wheel at a time to celebrate eight types of people in this community:

• Artists
• Farmers & Food
• Teachers
• Planet Protectors
• Volunteers
• Entrepreneurs
• Clergy
• Builders, Makers & Fixers

During their project, Illumin8, a joint project with Beacon Arts who also hosts the bicycle tree lighting ceremony happening this Second Saturday, this bicycle menorah is not only one-of-a-kind, but it is dedicated to celebrating all of the types of people who live around us. "The story of Beacon is the story of a town coming through hard times with hope and dedication. In order to celebrate those who light up our community," says Rabbi Brent Chaim Spodek. "Hanukkah tells us that we can hope against all reason and sometimes, we will prevail."

Notice the words under the wheel/candles. Each night a light is lit for group of people inscribed on the menorah.

Each spoke and wheel is dedicated to a group of people. Each night, a representative of the group comes to install the illuminated bicycle wheel/candle. They sing some songs, say a few prayers, and go back home for a warm dinner. Tonight, Friday night, the celebration is dedicated to Entrepreneurs, of which this town has several! Saturday night, the celebration illuminates Clergy. You may find yourself in an especially crafty mood on Saturday as you're surrounded by creativity, and lucky for you, the Beacon Craft Workshop will be there in her mobile craft studio! On Sunday night, the final night, a wheel/candle goes up for Builders, Makers and Fixers.

This Saturday when you head out for Second Saturday (get your full Second Saturday Art Gallery Guide with late-night eating options right here!) art gallery showings, shopping events, and/or the lighting of the bicycle tree with waves to Santa as he comes down on pedicab, stay for the wheel/candle lighting ceremony at this bicycle menorah.