By Robert Kalfus
The first night of Chanukah, the Festival of Light, started this past Sunday night (Nov.28) and will continue for 8 days, with the last candle lit on Sunday night, December 5th leaving a magnificent event to experience. Chanukah remembers the miracles of a small outnumbered band of Jewish partisan fighters who fought for 25 years, refusing to accept defeat by the better armed, more numerous and overwhelming Syrian-Greek forces, sent to crush their culture, religion, and entire way of life. The Maccabees liberated the oppressed Jewish nation, bestowing independence, and were inspired by the miracle of the single cruze of undefiled oil, sufficient for only one day of kindling the lights in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, yet it lasting for eight days, the length of time necessary until new pure olive oil could be pressed.
Rabbi Mendy Hurwitz of Chabad of Yonkers/Greystone Jewish Center welcomed almost a hundred people who came out despite the cold weather on Sunday, Nov. 28th to witness “spreading the light”, who saw the first candle of Chanukah lit at the Ridge Hill Shopping Center. Introducing Yonkers Fighter Donavan McKenzie to light the shammash, Rabbi Mendy noted that “Mr. McKenzie is far better at putting out fires than what he is about to do.”
The Yonkers Fire Dept. assisted, lending the use of their Tower Ladder to raise Rabbi Mendy to recite the blessings as Yonkers firefighter Donavan McKenzie lit the shammash, and Howard Spielman lit the first candle on the 18 foot tall chanukiah. The Tower Ladder bucket again lifted Firefighter McKenzie, Ridge Hill General Manager Meghann Hongach, Yonkers Councilwoman Tasha Diaz, and Assembly Member Nader Sayegh to toss Chanukah chocolate “gelt” candy onto the crowd below of children and adults, followed by a generous distribution of jelly and custard donuts, and hot latkes, as the “Mr. Shabbas” band’s music led people in dancing and celebrating Chanukah.
Rabbi Hurwitz noted “Judaism is not a religion to be practiced just in the synagogue. Judaism is a way of life, a religion which informs all your actions wherever you are”, and Chanukah’s celebration, inspiration, food, and joy was shared.
Chanukah’s second night party moved to Yonkers’ Cross County Shopping Center, where the “WhatsUp” band entertained with great music, causing much dancing and singing, keeping warm, until Chabad of Yonkers/Greystone Jewish Center Rabbi Mendy Hurwitz welcomed Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano who lit the “leader” shammash candle, and former City Council President Chuck Lesnick lit both the first and second night’s candles. All present, including those passing and shopping, enjoyed Jelly and custard donuts, and hot latkes.
All are welcome and invited Sunday, December 5th at 4:15 pm on Chanukah’s eighth night to see a giant menorah lit with all eight Chanukah lights overlooking the sun setting over the Hudson River, at majestic Untermyer Park, 945 North Broadway. However you prefer to spell the many transliterated names of the holiday, Rabbi Hurwitz asks for volunteers to climb the ladder to light the menorah’s Tiki torches, to publicize the miracle of Hanukah and to spread the light. Singing Maor Tzur and traditional Hanukah tunes, and spinning dreidls, all will enjoy a large variety of jelly donuts and chocolate gelt.
Please contact Rabbi@JewishYonkers.com for more information
