SOUTH FORSYTH -- The Collection at Forsyth hosted a first-time event for the county Monday, as elected officials and community members gathered for the lighting of a massive menorah for Hanukkah. Rabbi Levi Mentz, director of the recently opened Chabad of Forsyth, said the message of Hanukkah, or the Jewish Festival of Lights, is to let light shine in the darkness.

The ceremony was held on the third of eight nights of the holiday, with electric lights shining near the Christmas tree that is lit annually.

Pictured left to right: Rabbi Levi Mentz, District 25 state Rep.-elect Todd Jones, District 27 state Sen. Michael Williams, District 2 Commissioner-elect Rick Swope, and Forsyth County Sheriff-elect Ron Freeman.