Joy of Chanukah Celebrated with Menorah Lightings in Monroe & Tuxedo
The joy and glow of Chanukah was enjoyed by the communities of Monroe and Tuxedo with two Menorah Lighting Ceremonies arranged by Rabbi Pesach & Chana Burston of Chabad of Orange County.
Monroe – On Wednesday, December 20, a crowd of men, women and children gathered at Chabad’s Monroe location at the Bank of New York on Route 17m in Monroe.
Monroe Town Supervisor Sandy Leonard and Monroe Village Mayor John Karl lit the “shamash” — the torch that lights all the other candles — “since the role of the elected officials is to serve the community,” Burston said. Participants lit their own candles from the dignitary’s torch.
“Humanity is like a menorah with various ‘braches’ of people” Rabbi Burston said to the large audience, “The menorah teaches us what we all have in common: light! We each have an obligation to make the world a brighter, better place.”
The honorable Judge Slobod, Village of Monroe Trustee Charles Lesser and Mr. Leonard Zuckerman were among the guests who were honored in lighting a candle.
Zuckerman, who owns the Bank of New York building, later said how much he enjoyed the ceremony and commented, “I was very impressed by the whole evening. It was a momentous night for the Jewish community!” he said.
After the ceremony, participants were invited into Chabad’s office at Suite 202 for a festive party with music, Chanukah refreshments and arts and crafts for children.
During the party, Rabbi Pesach & Chana Burston presented the Supervisor and the Mayor each with a gift of a silver musical dreidel on behalf of the community.
Tuxedo – On Thursday, December 21, another Menorah Lighting Ceremony took place on Route 17 Tuxedo. Town Supervisor Peter Dolan was honored with lighting the menorah.
“When I saw the menorah on display” Rabbi Burston recalled to the crowd who gathered on the lawn near the train station, “I imagined how beautiful it would be to have a community menorah lighting and celebration.” Burston explained that he then contacted the office of Supervisor Dolan, who, in turn, put him in touch with Mr. Turner, who manages the menorah. Together, they arranged the public Menorah Lighting Ceremony of Tuxedo Park.
After greeting the crowd and extending holiday wishes, Supervisor Dolan thanked Chabad for sponsoring and arranging the event and invited them to do it again the following year!
Participants expressed gratitude and enthusiasm about the event.
After the ceremony, all enjoyed Chanukah refreshments, hot cocoa, dreidels and schmoozing under a special tent set up for this event.