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On the first night of Hanukkah, Dec. 12, students from Chabad of North Peninsula will fill the hollow PVC branches of a 9-foot menorah with coins, then donate all of the money to victims of the devastating October fires in Sonoma and Napa counties.

The menorah lighting has been a downtown Burlingame tradition since 2002.

Chabad of North Peninsula Rabbi Yale Spalter said students from North Peninsula Community Hebrew School and Chai Preschool will learn as they give this year: “It’s meant to bring the message that one cannot just focus on one’s own spiritual life, without caring about others. Helping others celebrate enhances your own celebration.”

Chabad of North Peninsula will also host a Dec. 16 menorah lighting at the skating rink in San Mateo’s Central Park.