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WESTBOROUGH, Mass. — It wasn't the traditional day or time, but that didn't stop Chabad of Westborough from performing its 11th annual menorah lighting at the Westborough Rotary.
"We have to realize that our job is just to shine a light," Rabbi Michoel Green said.
"We have to go beyond the norm to spread light and good in the world."
The lighting was held at 12:15 p.m. Sunday rather than the customary nighttime lighting. Green said he chose to hold the event during the day because it was a bit warmer and safer in terms of traffic.
"Hopefully, when you go home tonight, you'll light it at home after it gets dark outside," Green said to those in attendance.
The crowd at the Rotary included Selectmen George Barrette, Leigh Emery, Denny Drewry and Tim Dodd, along with Police Chief Alan Gordon, Town Manager Jim Malloy and a sizable crowd from around town.
Drewry lit the main torch, World War II Veteran George Miller lit the first two candles and Dodd lit the main candle, or "shamash."
Several Westborough children also took part in a "build your own menorah competition." Entries included a menorahs made of Legos, Play-Doh and another made of recycled cans with empty bullet shells to hold the candles.
Emery said she was particularly impressed with the latter.
"A child took a weapon of destruction and turned it into an implement of light," she said. "I think that is just so emblematic of the celebration."
The candles will continue to be lit until the end of the eight-day holiday Dec. 16.
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