Sunday night was the first night of Hanukkah and the Central Coast Jewish community gathered in downtown San Luis Obispo to observe the festival of lights.
The Jewish Community Center Federation of San Luis Obispo held a menorah lighting outside the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.
After the candle-lighting ceremony, the JCC Federation hosted a free community party to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah.
The celebration featured candy menorah making, dreidel spinning and jelly-filled donuts to snack on.
The rain or shine ceremony was free and open to the public.
"Each night we add one more candle because we are increasing the light in our world, even in some of the darkest days of the year. We bring light and we spread light," said Rabbi Janice Mehring.
The JCC Federation of San Luis Obispo will host menorah lighting ceremonies each night of Hanukkah, which ends on December 29th.
The candle lighting begins at five p.m. every night outside the mission.
