SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - People across the nation and here in Western Massachusetts celebrated the second night of Hanukkah with special observances. There was a warm glow in Springfield after a Menorah lit up the Court Square. Surrounded by dozens of people, the menorah served as a symbol of unity and hope. Two candles were lit - one for the first night of Hanukkah, which fell on Christmas this year, and one for the second night. "This is just a very special to see this here in Springfield. So it's a nice tradition. It's really nice," said Steve Ross of Chicopee. The holiday commerates the rededication of the holy temple in Jerusalem over 2,000 years ago. While rededicating the Temple, they found a small amount of ritually pure oil, enough for just one day, but miraculously the oil burned for eight days. Lighting the menorah commemorates this miracle. "The significance of light, that a little light dispels much darkness," expressed LYA Director of Community Outreach, Rabbi Chaim Kosofsky. And finding that light in the darkness continues to be the message during Hannukah. "We all need is one to stand up and strike out against the scourge of anti-Semitism that more and more is engulfing the world," said Congressman Richard Neal. There've been more than 10,000 antisemitic incidents in the U.S. in the year, since the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack in Israel, according to the Anti-Defamation League. "We feel it very deeply, especially if, you know someone or know a family of someone who is affected," added Kosofsky. Local leaders send a strong message of solidairty and support to the Jewish community. "The light will shine again. And they will continue to move forward," said Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. The state legislature established a comission that is working towards combatting anti-semitism within several communities. Local News Headlines Driving risks to be aware of ahead of New Years Eve Holyoke community comes together for 9th annual Hanukkah Observance Springfield honors second night of Hanukkah Mayor Sarno proclaims Kwanzaa week in Springfield WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.