The Bat Yam Temple of the Islands on Sanibel reported that this year’s Hannukah was splendid.

Officials shared that Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer and Bat Yam’s congregants intended for it to be a major Jewish festival. After the darkness wrought on Jews by the Hamas terrorists, they needed to rededicate — Hannukah means “dedication” — their commitments, reinforce their Jewish identity, embrace the light, to use well what they have and never give up.

Bat Yam, Schnitzer and the board were inspired by Shine A Light, a national initiative to spotlight modern-day antisemitism, including anti-Zionism. In partnership with hosts Oded and Tal Yahav and the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, it held the third Chanukah Menorah Interfaith Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 14 at the Seahorse Shopping Center on Sanibel. Clergy, dignitaries from the SanCap Chamber and Sanibelians, both congregants and friends, made up the almost 100 people celebrating. Officials reported that the clergy’s and dignitaries’ speeches shone a light against hate, and Hannukah songs filled the night air and sufganiyot — Israeli doughnuts — were enjoyed.

Bat Yam enjoyed a surfeit of lighting candles beginning with Shabbat on the second night of Hannukah, when congregants brightened the Friendship Hall with their — in some cases, self-made — menorahs.

Officials reported that the Hannukah season ended with a special Shabbat, entitled “A Taste of Bat Yam.” Samples of recipes selected from the temple’s new cookbook were prepared for the congregation and friends. The service was held afterwards, led by Schnitzer and Rabbi Emeritus Stephen Fuchs.