JACKSON – While it came later in the year, the Hannukah lights were lit brightly for the annual township Menorah Lighting ceremony on the grounds of Town Hall.
The celebration drew a number of attendees who came together once more to observe the lighting of the Menorah for the Festival of Lights. The outdoor/indoor event was held on the sixth night of the holiday, and hosted by Rabbi Shmuel Naparstek and sponsored by Bat Shalom Hadassah, Jackson Chabad, Westlake Yiddish Club, Shalom Club of Winding Ways and South Knolls and Metedeconk.
Rabbi Naparstek reminded those present that “Hanukkah was a time to gather around the Menorah and light the candles each night noting that when you light one candle, that candle will bring light and it will spread.”
During the ceremony, Bat Shalom Hadassah President Ellen Keller noted that for more than 20 years, Bat Shalom Hadassah, under the aegis of Honey Greenberg, Marcia Fishbein, and Linda Selznick, began the tradition of lighting the large menorah at the Jackson Municipal Building, in concert with Chabad Rabbi Carlebach.
Rabbi David Amar of Congregation Ahavat Olam in Howell Township speaks during the recently held Jackson Menorah Lighting ceremony held a Jackson Town Hall. (Photo by Bob Vosseller)
Keller remarked, “although Honey has passed away and Marcia and Linda have moved away from Jackson, with the help of Jackson Chabad Rabbi Shmuel Naparstek, the tradition continues. Bat Shalom is so grateful that Rabbi Naparstek has agreed to help us continue our tradition.”
Guests arrived and enjoyed hot beverages, accompanied by the mandatory confection, jelly donuts. “Thanks so much to Marsha Inzelbuch, Shelley Flaherty, and Nadia Massuda for their help in assembling the refreshments,” Keller added.
She also gave thanks to the Westlake Yiddish Club, as well as the Shalom Clubs of Winding Ways, South Knolls, and Metedeconk for sponsoring the delicious goodies. “Thanks to the Jackson Recreation Department for setting up the event and providing adorable Hanukkah items to wear.”
Keller also recalled last year’s ceremony and the concerns expressed at the time about the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel. “We pray for another nes gadol, a great miracle, so that there will be peace at last. We pray for the release of the hostages and peace in Israel and around the world.”
Westlake Yiddish Club President Jeff Brown led those in attendance in Hatikvah and The Star-Spangled Banner.
Rabbi Naparstek began his remarks with a prayer for the hostages. Rabbi David Amar of Congregation Ahavat Olam also spoke about the war in Israel and how difficult it is for the citizens there every day.
Bat Shalom Hadassah President Ellen Keller welcomes those present to the annual Jackson Township Menorah Lighting ceremony held inside and later outside Town Hall. (Photo by Bob Vosseller)
The rabbinical debate over whether to light a new candle each night or begin with eight and decrease each night, was discussed by Rabbi Naparstek who noted the custom of lighting a new one each night seems more hopeful.
Westlake resident Alan Tannenhaus described himself as a “Hanukkah fashionista” sporting a pair of Hanukkah glasses and a hat as he enjoyed a jelly filled donut, a traditional favorite of those who observe Hanukkah during the event. He joined his wife Esther at the ceremony.
Assemblyman Alex Sauickie of the 12th Legislative District wished a Happy Hanukkah to those present and expressed hope for peace in Israel.
Audience members stand while Westlake Yiddish Club President Jeff Brown leads them in the Hatikvah and sings The Star-Spangled Banner. (Photo by Bob Vosseller)
Township Mayor Mike Michael Reina, Councilman Mordecai Burnstein and Councilman Elect Giuseppe Palmeri were also present for the event.
Following the ceremony everyone proceeded to the lawn where the giant menorah stood. Accompanied by representatives of Bat Shalom, the Westlake Yiddish Club, and the local Shalom Clubs, Rabbi Naparstek lit the six candles, reciting the two prayers which command those of the Jewish faith to light the menorah and to remember the great miracle that occurred so long ago.
An attendee of the recently held Jackson Township Menorah Lighting lines up for some refreshments prior to the start of this year’s ceremony held at Town Hall. (Photo by Bob Vosseller)
The Rabbi then led the crowd in singing Ma’Oz Tzur, the Rock of Ages and reminded those present to light their own menorahs at home.
“We were lucky that this evening was warm for the season, close to 60 degrees. Many of us recalled previous year where we stood in the windy, freezing cold, sometimes in snow. May the warmth and light of Hanukkah this year be an omen for the year to come,” Keller said.
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