Cranberry residents, from left, Sydney Mestre, Meredith Miller, Richard Solodky and Sue Solodky hold Hanukkah candles during the Festival of Lights celebration on the first day of Hanukkah on Sunday at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center.

Cranberry Township welcomed friends and supporters from all over the region and representing every faith for the first night of the eight-day observance of Hanukkah.

The menorah was lighted Sunday in front of the township's Municipal Center.

It is the seventh year for the privately funded event, which is hosted by the township. In addition to the lighting celebration, the event featured traditional foods, games and music.

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 165 B.C. after its desecration by invading forces. The event celebrates the kindling of eight lights using the only untouched container of ritual oil — enough for one night — which kept the menorah lit for eight days.

Jack Cohen, president of the Cranberry Jewish Community Association, lights the menorah Sunday on the first day of Hanukkah during the celebration of lights.

Cranberry residents (L-R) JoAnne DiBattiste and Kevin Gaus light Hanukkah candles during the Festival of Lights celebration on the first day of Hanukkah at the Cranberry Municipal Building on December 22, 2019.