Preparing for Hanukkah – Judaism’s celebration of finding light in the darkness – feels uniquely somber – yet defiant this year for the Jewish community across the country. Hanukkah began Thursday night and Rabbi Mendel Wolowik, with Chabad, a Jewish outreach organization in the area, says this year, perhaps more so than others, is very special, given the increase in anti-semitic behavior across the United States on the heels of the Israel/Hamas war. Rabbi Mendel says that in addition to personal celebrations of Hanukkah for the next eight days, there will also be a public Menorah Lighting on Monday, December 11th on the lawn of the Washington County Courthouse. He says there will be music, raffles, treats and traditional Hanukkah food like latkes. The celebration begins at five p.m. In addition to Monday’s activities, there is also an ongoing Hanukkah Toy Drive through the month of December. The public is encouraged to drop off a toy at Citizen’s Library, or bring in on Monday. All toys collected will go to underprivileged and hospitalized children.