Derek McLean for the Boston Globe

The traditions of Judaism get a fanciful update every year from the Chabad Jewish Center in Needham, with its annual menorah lighting ceremony on the Town Common. Last year's menorah theme was glow-in-the-dark.

the Chabad Jewish Center

The wooden menorah in 2010 was the winning entry in a townwide menorah building contest.

the Chabad Jewish Center

the 2009 menorah was made of ice.

the Chabad Jewish Center

In 2008, the menorah doubled as a memorial, built from toys donated for the children of victims of the Mumbai terror attacks.

the Chabad Jewish Center

The 2007 menorah was made out of balloons.