Area Jews are commemorating the final days of Chanukah this week in a positive light during dark times for their faith.

The eight-day festival of lights, which began last Thursday, celebrates the Maccabees’ victory over Selecudian Greek occupiers as they recaptured the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The eight days commemorate the time the temple’s menorah stayed lit despite only having enough oil for one night. Chanukah celebrations around the world have taken on a different tone this year because of the ongoing violence in Israel and the rise of anti-Semitism across the country. According to the Anti-Defamation League, anti-Semitic incidents are up nearly 400 percent since the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas attacked Israel in early October.

Rabbi Michoel Feinstein from the Chabad of the Bay Area, which serves Jewish believers in Door and Kewaunee counties, says it has been tough for its community these past several weeks. In addition to its public event on December 7th, the Chabad celebrated Chanukah with local Israelis in the Fox Valley, some of whom lost family members in the attacks. Feinstein says while some were worried about the attention their celebrations might bring, others took a more inspirational route.

Feinstein is thankful for the support his congregation has received from the community not just during this holiday season, but since the attacks occurred in October.  The Chabad of the Bay Area is located in Allouez and hosts Friday night celebrations at 7 p.m. and Shabbat morning services at 10 a.m. on Saturdays.