Special Hanukkah Menorah put up on Guildhall balcony
This festive season we've welcomed a Menorah to the balcony of the Guildhall. The special nine-branched candelabra marks Hannukah, the Jewish festival of lights.
The date of this festival changes each year and this year Hanukkah began on the evening of Wednesday 25 December and is celebrated for eight days.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Julia Mc Shane, said:
"Hanukkah Sameach! I wish our Jewish community a happy festive period, may this festival of lights bring happiness and good health.
''We want to be a more inclusive borough, where all our communities are valued, cultures appreciated, and religious diversity respected.
"We are open to working with all faith groups to celebrate important religious events throughout the year and are proud to support our Jewish community at this festive time."
The Rabbi of Guildford, Rabbi Alex Goldberg, said:
"As a proud Guildfordian, born and bred, seeing the Chanukiah, the special Hanukkah Menorah, shining brightly in the High Street will be a powerful moment for me symbolising light, hope, and resilience.
"It reflects the message of the Festival of Chanukah, importance of religious freedom in our society and highlights the strength that comes from reconciliation and mutual respect."
"As we gather as a community to celebrate this festival of dedication, we are reminded of the shared values that unite us across all faiths and beliefs. This is a moment of pride for Guildford, demonstrating our commitment to pluralism and the inclusion of diverse voices in our public spaces. Chanukah Sameach to all and a Happy Holidays to all our neighbours."