Temple Beth Ami, Chabad of SCV and Congregation Beth Shalom joined together to light the first candle on the menorah at the Westfield Valencia Town Center mall on Sunday, Dec. 18 to celebrate the beginning of Chanukah.

“It’s one of the few times a year that all of the synagogues can come together,” said Rabbi Mark Blazer of Temple Beth Ami.

The event also featured music, fun and refreshments.

“Year after year this is the largest event bringing together the Jewish community in Santa Clarita,” said Blazer.

Blazer said that with recent antisemitism incidents, the Jewish community has suffered. He hopes that through this Chanukah, the Jewish community can gain the support they need.

“This Chanukah in particular means a lot for us and it means a lot for our community and a lot for our country to publicly come together and stand with the Jewish community,” said Blazer. “The holidays are all about bringing light to the world, shining light to the darkness.”

Santa Clarita Mayor Jason Gibbs attended the event in addition to Blazer, Rabbi Jay Siegel of Temple Beth Shalom and Rabbi Choni Marozov of Chabad of SCV.

Temple Beth Ami is also scheduled to hold two additional Chanukah events this week.

A vodka and latke dinner is scheduled to be hosted at the rabbi’s house at 7 p.m. Dec. 21, celebrating Jewish culinary traditions. Those wishing to attend must RSVP to rabbi@templebethami.org.

A “Fiddler on the Roof” sing-a-long is scheduled at the Laemmle Newhall, 22500 Lyons Ave., at 7 p.m. on Dec. 24. Cantor Kenny Ellis is set to host the event. Tickets can be purchased at bit.ly/3htHMZJ.