Members of the Jewish faith and their friends gathered in downtown Gainesville Thursday evening to celebrate Hanukkah. The festivities included a band, traditional food, and of course the lighting of the menorah. Organizers said they will collect toys for hospitalized children throughout the remainder of the Jewish holiday.

"When your spirit is lifted, you can feel better spiritually and physically. Everything in your life becomes better and that is part of the lesson of the menorah that you share the warmth and you share the light," said Rabbi Berl Goldman.

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