GREENFIELD — Local Jews hosted the first-ever illumination ceremony on the Greenfield Common on Wednesday to celebrate the seventh night of Hanukkah.

“Hanukkah is a universal message of right over might, light over darkness,” said Rabbi Chaim Adelman of the Chabad House at Amherst. “The menorah is lit at night specifically when there is unclarity and confusion. The light gives us direction and clarity for ourselves, for our families, for our towns and cities, and for humanity at large.”

The event was organized by resident Jasper Lapienski, who also serves as the Precinct 7 city councilor. He built the menorah by hand and worked with the city to place it on the common. Throughout the eight nights of Hanukkah, he invited other Jewish people to light the traditional candelabra with him daily.

The “shamash,” or candle used to light the other candles, was lit by Mayor Roxann Wedegartner.

“It is an honor to be asked to be here and to be able to participate,” she said.

Wedegartner explained that working with Lapienski, someone who often opposes her in his role as a city councilor, to get the menorah on the common was symbolic of what the holiday is all about.

“We have not always gotten along. That does not mean we cannot come together and resolve our differences,” she said. “That is a way for us to all be able to achieve peace and have a little hope.”

The menorah was placed on the common directly next to the creche, which has been displayed there since about 1950, according to archives. The creche is put up each year by the committee, Keep Christ in Christmas. Lapienski mentioned one of the creche organizers, Doug Clarke, was thrilled to have the menorah placed as its neighbor.

State Reps. Susannah Whipps, I-Athol, and Natalie Blais, D-Deerfield, were also in attendance, along with Greenfield Mayor-elect Virginia “Ginny” Desorgher.

“I am happy to be with you tonight,” Whipps said. “May the light of Hanukkah warm us all. I appreciate the community coming out. It is important we are inclusive, welcoming and respectful to all.”

The candle-lighting event was followed by a potato pancake social at the Greenfield Public Library.

Reach Bella Levavi at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.