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Chabad Jewish Center of Ashland will host its annual Menorah lightings in downtown Ashland and Medford this Hanukkah. This takes on special meaning this year, organizers said in announcing the event, as participants gather to light the menorah while remembering victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre on Oct. 27, the worst single attack on American Jews in the history of the U.S. Eleven were killed and many others wounded. The Ashland menorah lighting is set for 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, on the Ashland Plaza, on the first night of the eight-day Hanukkah holiday. The Medford Menorah lighting, with Mayor Gary Wheeler, will take place at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3, at Vogel Plaza on Central Avenue. Festivities will include a live klezmer band, latkes, and a special highlight for this year: a chocolate coin drop. Hundreds of chocolate coins will come pouring down from the top of a hook and ladder truck for all to catch and enjoy. “Chanukah is a holiday that enriches our lives with the light of tradition,” said Rabbi Avi Zwiebel, director of the Chabad Jewish Center. “In ancient times our ancestors rededicated the Temple in Jerusalem with the Menorah. Today, we rededicate ourselves to making this world a better and brighter place. Chanukah propagates the universal message that ultimately good will prevail over evil, freedom over oppression and light over darkness.” In its Chanukah (also spelled Hanukkah) outreach campaign, Chabad is dedicated to spreading light and goodness in the Valley and bringing the joy of Chanukah to all, according to an event announcement. Chabad of Southern Oregon joins thousands of Chabad centers across the globe that are staging similar public displays of the Menorah and its symbolic lights. The 10 foot Menorahs will be on display in both locations for the duration of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, an eight-day commemoration of rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees after their victory over the Syrians. The event is open to all, regardless of religion or race. For more information, call the Chabad Jewish Center at 541-482-2778.