Menorah Lighting Brings Out East Hanover Community

About two dozen residents of East Hanover gathered on the front lawn of the township's municipal building Wednesday for the annual menorah lighting in observance of Hanukkah.

Rabbi Shalom Lubin, director of Chabad of SE Morris County said the Jewish holiday is especially poignant after Superstorm Sandy left many people figuratively and literally in the dark.

The eight-day Festival of Lights, which began Saturday evening, serves as a reminder that "the light within our hearts should light our surroundings" and "a little bit of light can go a long way," Lubin said.

Hanukkah, which commemorates the Maccabees' rededication of the Holy Temple after their victory over the Syrians, during which one day’s supply of oil for the temple menorah miraculously lasted eight full days, has a "universal message of light, hope and religious freedom," Lubin said.

After the menorah was lit, those gathered adjourned to the municipal building for Hanukkah cookies and chocolates, and for potato pancakes called latkes, which are a traditional Hanukkah food.

Lubin also invited Mayor Joseph Pannullo to pick the winning ticket in a raffle to win a football signed by the New York Jets. The football went to Abbie Erbes, but was soon pilfered by her brother Adam.

For more information about Chabad of SE Morris County, a Jewish outreach, educational and social service organization on Park Avenue in Madison, call 973-377-0707, email info@chabadcares.com, or visit www.chabadcares.com.

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