The Chabad of Newfoundland’s public Chanukah Menorah Lighting is taking place this afternoon in the parking lot of the Viking Building in St. John’s.

Chanukah, or the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day holiday on which each day, a light is lit. A ninth light, usually above or below the rest in the Menorah, is used to light the other candles.

It commemorates the miracle of light, following the liberation of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean Revolt. There was only enough pure oil left to light the candelabrum for one day, but it burned for another seven days.

Rabbi Chanan Chernitsky says today’s ceremony will involve the lighting of an eight-foot candelabra with nine branches.

Rabbi Chernitsky says this year’s event will be a drive-in celebration starting at 4:00 p.m., so participants will stay in their cars. Complimentary hot drinks and donuts will be served and the St. John’s Regional Fire Department will bring the celebration to a close by dropping Chanukah chocolate coins from a fire truck.