DOWNTOWN DETROIT (WXYZ) — Menorah in the D is an annual downtown celebration marking the start of Hanukkah, a holiday enjoyed by millions of Jewish people around the world.

The Festival of Lights invites everyone to get involved and this year it is expected to be bigger than ever.

Today I spoke to the Jewish community about what Hanukkah really means and what makes this year special.

At Salon Edge on Walnut Lake Road in West Bloomfield, there is a sense of love in the air as members of the Jewish community share their excitement for the upcoming Hanukkah season.

Families come together for eight nights and each time they light a candle.

WXYZ

“Hannukkah means devotion. We dedicate ourselves every year.” said Carol Feldman.

Feldman says this year is special because thoughts of loved ones come to mind. And for Jewish people around the world…

“We light the menorah every evening. “Sing songs and drinking latkes from Trader Joe’s this year,” Carol said.

WXYZ

“A family tradition. We come together. Kibbutz. A Yiddish word. We have fun together and exchange gifts,” said Phil Reznick,

For Reznick, a big part of Hanukkah is food.

“The potato latkes,” Phil mentioned. “My daughter shreds potatoes and I don’t know what she puts in them to make them stick.”

WXYZ

Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov is among those who stand behind Menorah in the D and celebrate rich traditions with everyone in the big city.

“To be able to come downtown. “The proclamation of the Hanukkah message is a beautiful event that has grown from hundreds to thousands,” Rabbi Shemtov said. “It is the miracle of lights. 2000 years ago, when Jews were in Israel, they were persecuted. There was a jar of oil for one day.” . It took 8 days. Each of us has a jar of oil in our hearts.

This year, Menorah in the D will feature food, live music and other games, all things the rabbi welcomes with joy.

Back in West Bloomfield, the clock is ticking towards a special time.

“Christmas and Hanukkah both start tomorrow. That alone is a miracle,” Carol said.

Where your voice counts