A Grand Menorah Lighting Festival, with a menorah lighting, live music and treats will take place at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Union Plaza in New London to mark the first night of Hanukkah.

Rabbi Avrohom Sternberg of Chabad of Eastern Connecticut will be lighting the giant menorah with assistance from Mayor Michael Passero and musical accompaniment by the Klezmer Ensemble. Children and adults are invited.

Sternberg said the public lighting of the menorah, and the custom for Jewish homes to conspicuously display their own candelabras during the eight days of Hanukkah, serve as a reminder of God's miracles.  

"Some two thousand years ago, after years of oppression, the Jews victorious in battle, were ready to reintroduce Temple rituals. When all they found was a small jug of oil enough for one day, it lasted for eight. It was a sign of Divine grace and today reminds us of G-d's watchful eye, then and now," Sternberg wrote in a news release.

He said the menorah also stands as a symbol of religious freedom and expression, and of the religious freedoms Americans enjoy.

For information on Sunday's event, call 860-437-8000 or visit www.ChabadECT.com/CelebrateChanukah.