The public is invited to attend the traditional lighting of the menorah and a community Hanukkah celebration Saturday at Portland City Hall.

Rabbi Moshe Wilansky of Chabad of Maine said in a news release that the 12-foot menorah will be lit on the City Hall plaza at 6 p.m. Saturday.

Saturday’s event marks the first night of Hanukkah.

“It is a holiday that enriches our lives with the light of tradition,” Wilansky said. “In ancient times our ancestors rededicated the temple in Jerusalem with the menorah. Today, we rededicate ourselves to making this world a better and brighter place.”

Wilansky said Portland’s menorah will be one of 15,000 that will be lit across the world. The menorah symbolizes a universal message of religious freedom.

“Chabad centers all around the world are dedicated to spreading light and goodness in their respective communities. Chabad’s answer to the darkness and destruction is an increase in light and warmth,” Wilansky said.

After the menorah has been lit, the program will move inside City Hall to the State of Maine room, for an all-you-can-eat buffet, hot latkes and doughnuts, dreidels and gelt, and live music.