ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) -- Wednesday night marked the beginning of Hanukkah. The Menorah was lit just after 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. (WROC/Melanie Sosa.) Celebrants gathered at sundown for the annual Menorah lighting in Washington Square Park in Downtown Rochester. The Menorah is a nine-branched candelabra lit during the eight days of Hanukkah. It symbolizes the miracle that occurred during the re-sanctifying of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. One day of oil lasted eight. "Hanukkah really is - it's about publicity. Taking the message of religious freedom, of the struggle for that, which is good and just. Even if the struggle seems difficult - it's against the odds. But the faith of God will come through for us and will help us do the right thing and accomplish the right thing and - even if we think we're just small and insignificant, a little bit makes a big difference, and a little bit of light dispels darkness," said Rabbi Nechemia Vogel. Northern lights, 4 planets could be visible on the first night of Hanukkah The lighting is to celebrate the first night of the Jewish holiday.