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Since the menorah is so large and weighs about 300 pounds, Hodge made
it in pieces. It can be assembled without a crane in about 20 minutes.
"We set it up out here at the shop and stood
it up like a flag pole," said Hodge. "It took about three
or four people."
The menorah is V-shaped and has four stabilizing arms
for a base. There are different interpretations of how menorahs should
be shaped, said Wilansky. The V-shape is based on commentary by the
medieval Jewish scholar Maimonides.
"According to him, it was a V-shaped menorah
in the Jerusalem temple," said Wilansky.
Rather than candles, the giant menorah will have kerosene
lamps. Oil is crucial to the story of Hanukkah. When the Temple in
Jerusalem was recaptured by Jewish liberation forces led by the Maccabee
family, the
ceremonial lamp was relighted. Only one day's oil was found in the
Temple, the story goes, but miraculously the lamp burned for eight
nights until more could be made.
Wilansky said past Hanukkah celebrations in front
of City Hall have drawn 200 to 300 people. He hopes more will come
this year to see the Grand Menorah lit by the fire chief while atop
a cherry picker on the Ladder 1 fire truck.
The free event will also feature live music by the
Maine Mishugoyim, children's activities and a buffet dinner in the
State of Maine room featuring Chana's World Famous Latkes.
Hodge, from Portland Sheet Metal, hopes to witness
the assembly of the menorah and watch the festivities Sunday.
The occasion will mark his first celebration of Hanukkah.
"I'm going to bring my wife and kids," said Hodge. "It'll
be great."
Staff Writer Selena Ricks can be contacted at 791-6365
or at:
sricks@pressherald.com
