This week in photos

Tuesday, December 23rd, 2014 4:45 PM

Oak Park Village President Anan Abu-Taleb, who was born in the Gaza Strip, lights the servant candle of a 6-foot menorah outside the Chabad Jewish Center of Oak Park, 219 Randolph St., Monday.

Nina Allread, 10, sings along with other members of the Pro Musica Youth Chorus Canterini ensemble in Downtown Oak Park on Saturday. More photos inside. (CHANDLER WEST/Staff Photographer)

A smiling horse pulls sightseers down Marion Street in Downtown Oak Park on Saturday. The free sleigh rides were part of the Home For the Holidays event. (CHANDLER WEST/Staff Photographer)

The Pro Musica Youth Chorus Canterini ensemble serenades shoppers on Marion Street last Saturday. (CHANDLER WEST/Staff Photographer)

Santa looks a bit weary after a long Saturday of listening in downtown Oak Park. Here he has his knees full with Evan Colon, 4, and Julian Sawe, 4, both of Chicago. (CHANDLER WEST/Staff Photographer)

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From lighting a 6-foot menorah to sitting on Santa's lap, here are a few special holiday moments spotted around town.

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Reader Comments

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Mimi Jordan from Oak Park

Posted: December 26th, 2014 3:25 PM

I agree with Galen and Top Notch. This photo perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday season.

Top Notch

Posted: December 26th, 2014 3:04 PM

Anan if first class. He certainly could of had Trustee Salzman light it in his absence. Thank You Anan!

o holy night

Posted: December 26th, 2014 10:32 AM

No thank you for removing Christ from Christmas. Santa Claus does not represent me as a Christian. He represents rampant consumerism. If this really were "diverse" I'd like to see a Manger scene as well. As for the carolers, jingle bells and I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus doesn't cut it.

Galen Gockel from Oak Park

Posted: December 26th, 2014 10:23 AM

Weber completely missed the point. How does the photo caption "put the local Jewish community in a defensive position"? Kudos to the Chabad Jewish Center for inviting Anan to light a menorah; kudos to him for doing it, and good for the WJ in pointing out that in Oak Park people are willing to symbolize the fact that we are all one, and can attempt to bridge the divides which otherwise separate us. Cheers to all involved; may your numbers increase..and happy holidays!!

Merrill Weber from Oak Park

Posted: December 25th, 2014 9:15 PM

Your caption to the photograph of President Abu-Taleb lighting the menorah is repulsive. He was invited to the ceremony and presumably agreed to participate as President of the Village of Oak Park. What is your point in emphasizing that he was "born in the Gaza Strip"? Is it to suggest that President abu-Taleb should have ostracized the local Jewish community and refused to attend? Why not cover the news, instead of politicizing it to put the local Jewish community in a defensive position?

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