By Robert Kalfus
Last week, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano hosted Jews from Yonkers enjoying a celebration of Chanukah at Yonkers City Hall, who were also welcomed by Yonkers City Council President Michael Khader, State Sen. Shelley Mayer, and other elected officials, with Master of Ceremonies Chuck Lesnick. All joined in singing a medley of Chanukah songs led by Cantor Michael Kaspar and a choir of the Academy for Jewish Religion, and music by members of the Yonkers High School Woodwind Ensemble, led by Andy Seligson.
After the menorah lighting, Chabad of Yonkers Rabbi Mendy Hurwitz led a procession of more than 15 cars topped by brightly-lit chanukiot on a tour of Yonkers, proclaiming the miracle of Chanukah and spreading news of the miracle. Escorted by Yonkers police officers who blocked off intersections allowing the car caravan to proceed quickly and safely, the chanukiah car caravan arrived for more Chaukah celebrations with a party at Yonkers’ own kosher distillery Nahmias et Fils, where Hudson Valley master distiller David Nahmias and his wife, Dorit, hand-craft their award-winning spirits with the finest, natural ingredients.
They are proudly the sole producers of Mahia in the United States, brewed from figs. David Nahmias fashioned his empty Mahia bottles into a unique freestanding chanukiah used for the distillery candle-lighting, joined by the Yonkers police officers.
Also last week, Hurwitz led his congregation in lighting a 12-foot menorah at the Temple of Love in Yonkers’ Untermyer Gardens, overlooking the setting sun over the Hudson River, on the eighth night of Hanukah, Dec. 9.
However way you prefer to spell the many different names of the Hanukah holiday, Hurwitz had many who volunteered to climb the ladder to light the Tiki torches, to publicize the miracle of Hanukah and to spread the light. Singing Maor Tzur and other traditional Hanukah tunes, all enjoyed a large variety of jelly and chocolate donuts.
The lighting was also dedicated in memory of Marty Rochelle, known as “Mr. Parks,” who will always be remembered for his love and concern for his fellow Yonkers residents, and for his wife, family, children, and his many friends. Marty served in the United States Air Force, created a network of bail bond companies, served as Yonkers city manager before the advent of a city mayor, and was chairman of the Yonkers Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department and also the Westchester County Parks Recreation and Conservation Board.
Members of Marty’s family lit several of the Hanukah lamps on the eighth night, joining members of Chabad of Yonkers, also known as the Greystone Jewish Center, in ascending to spread the light and joy of Hanukah.
