Story by Janmarie Foschini
The Greenwood Lake community came together on Sun., Dec. 2 to welcome the first night of Hanukkah. The annual Menorah lighting was sponsored by the Federation of Greater Orange County and the Village of Greenwood Lake.
The event drew a large crowd of community members who listened to a brief history of Hanukkah, sang songs and learned the meaning and importance of the holiday. Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights and Feast of Dedication, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
Members of B’nai Torah, Rabbi Meir Borenstein, Mayor Jesse Dwyer and the Greenwood Lake Police Department were among those in attendance. The event received support and encouragement from Executive Director Rabbi Rachel Rubenstein.
Following the ceremony and lighting of the first candle on the Menorah, all guests were treated to chocolate gelt, dreidels, donuts, munchkins and juice at the Greenwood Lake Community Center. Children were singing songs, playing dreidel and enjoying festive treats.
Jessica Lewis was one of the many who helped coordinate the event. She thanked the Village of Greenwood Lake for all their support with this annual event. Mayor Jesse Dwyer wishes everyone a Happy Hanukkah and thanked everyone for coming out to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah.
