Two weeks ago, the town of Wellesley was faced with the threat of a lawsuit over its initial refusal to allow a menorah on town property. By Tuesday evening, celebration had replaced possible litigation as the menorah was erected and lit in front of Town Hall.

Temperatures were in the 20s and the wind made it feel much colder, but at least 100 people from around the MetroWest area stood patiently outside Town Hall on the last night of Hanukkah. As they awaited the lighting of the menorah, a clown produced balloon animals for children, and hot chocolate, doughnuts and Hanukkah gelt (chocolate) were made available for all.

The menorah was placed directly beneath a window bearing a wreath and an American flag. Placed upon the menorah was a sign that read "miracles happen" and included a drawing of a small American flag.

The Supreme Court has found that a menorah can be considered a secular holiday symbol when placed among other holiday symbols. Rabbi Moshe Bleich of the Wellesley-Weston Chabad Center used this ruling to support his claim that a menorah should be allowed on town property.

"Today, we look at the menorah, and reflect on what life really means," Bleich addressed the crowd soon before the first candle, the shamash, was lit. According to Kabbalah teachings, the menorah mirrors people's images, and looking at the menorah "is like looking at our own reflection," Bleich said.

In a service intended to honor those who serve the town, Bleich requested that several town officers take part in the menorah-lighting ceremony. Acting executive director of general government services Christopher Clark, selectman Harriet Warshaw, Police Chief Terrence Cunningham, Deputy Chief of Police William Brooks and Fire Chief Kevin Rooney each lit candles set within small lamps, which were then placed atop the menorah's branches. All four men wore yarmulkes, the skullcaps traditionally worn by Jewish males.

"We are honored to be here for this celebration of diversity," Cunningham said after lighting his candle. "Thank you for this opportunity and Happy Hanukkah."

Chief Rooney thanked Bleich for honoring all those who serve. He added, "I am a little concerned about the fire we're lighting now," which drew laughs from the crowd.

Wellesley-Weston Chabad members, Framingham attorney Rob Meltzer (who represented Bleich in his dealings with the town), Chabad leaders from surrounding towns and others from the MetroWest community participated in the lighting ceremony.

The final candle was jointly lit by several children, "the future of our people," Bleich said.

After all of the candles were lit, many attendees sang "Maoz Tzur" ("Rock of Ages") and "The Dreidel Song."

Earlier in the ceremony, several attendees recited two chants in Hebrew during the lighting of the candle representing the first night of Hanukkah.

Part of the agreement between Bleich and Town Hall was that there would be no religious prayers recited at the menorah-lighting. Town Counsel Al Robinson said that he had been approached by some Jewish people both before and during the ceremony and informed that some Jews consider those two chants to be prayers.

"What I understand it to have been is what is recited every time the menorah is lighted, so I would think it was appropriate, even if some Jews would put it in the 'prayer' category," Robinson said. "It's part of the package that comes with the lighting of the menorah, and I don't find it offensive [to the town's agreement with Bleich]."

"I thought it was upbeat and the lighting itself was relatively short and the group there seemed quite enthusiastic," Robinson added. "Now, the selectmen will revisit the policy, and the community will be asked for their input - it's clear many people have opinions on this."