A crowd gathered in front of St Albans Clock Tower to light a six-foot Menorah for the Jewish festival of Chanukah.

Herts Advertiser: Deputy Mayor of St Albans Cllr Jamie Day (L) lights a candle with the help of synagogue member Steve Waxman (C) and Rabbi Daniel Sturgess (R). Photo: St Albans Synagogue.Deputy Mayor of St Albans Cllr Jamie Day (L) lights a candle with the help of synagogue member Steve Waxman (C) and Rabbi Daniel Sturgess (R). Photo: St Albans Synagogue. (Image: Archant)

The city’s third annual Menorah lighting was organised by St Albans Synagogue to celebrate what is known as the Festival of Lights.

Nine candles were lit on the Menorah, a candleabrum called a Chanukiah, for the final day of the eight day festival.

St Albans United Synagogue minister Rabbi Daniel Sturgess said: “One of the central themes of Chanukah is bringing light into the world.

“So as we light the chanukiah, we think of and pray for those who are struggling, suffering in life - we pray for them and we think how we in our own lives can bring more light into the world.”

“Religious freedom is something we can easily take for granted in the UK in 2017, but we mustn’t take it for granted.”