Festival of Lights Starts at Sundown, 'A Season of Miracles' in Newton

Here's what you need to know for Wednesday.

• Wednesday at sundown marks the beginning of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. We wish all who celebrate this high holy day peace, love, blessings and miracles galore. 
• Sundown marks the beginning of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. We wish all who celebrate these eight nights light, hope, peace, love, blessings and miracles galore. Chanukah Sameach to all who observe. And the town will join in celebrating this bright occasion: The official municipal Hanukkah Menorah Lighting takes place next Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Municipal Complex on Weldon Road. For general info on the observance, check the website for Chabad of Sussex County, which is at 191 Woodport Road, Suite 208C in Sparta or call 973-726-3333; B'nai Yisrael at 3 Washington Street in Newton, 973-383-4570; and the Lake Hopatcong Jewish Community Center (aka the "Shul on the Lake"), 15 Durban Road in Hopatcong, 973-398-8700.
• In preparation for Thanksgiving Thursday, the Jefferson Township Public Library closes early Wednesday. Make sure you have your books checked out by 3 p.m., when the library is scheduled to shut its doors until Saturday.
• Pushcart Players, New Jersey’s touring theater for young audiences, presents a timely offering Wednesday. For the start of Hanukkah and the day before Thanksgiving, enjoy a performance of “A Season of Miracles” at 9:30 a.m. at the Marian E. McKeown School, 1 School Road in Newton. The production is a multicultural collection of holiday tales that celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah and the miracles that live within us all. Stories within this musical include O. Henry’s "The Gift of the Magi," E.T.A. Hoffmann's "The Nutcracker," "The Kwanzaa Kite" and "The Chanuka Miracle."
• Wednesday evening means rehearsals for members of the Jefferson Township High School Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble. The band practices at 6:30 p.m.; woodwind and brass players meet for rehearsal at 7:40 p.m.
• Speaking of miracles, this one is worth the drive: Elvis Costello, alternately known as Declan MacManus or the True King of Rock and roll, makes a rare visit to Morris County Wednesday when, fresh from his collaboration with Philly hiphop outfit (and 'Late Night with Jimmy Fallon' house band extraordinaire) the Roots, he plays the Mayo Performing Arts Center at 100 South St. in Morristown. Tickets range from $69-$129; call the box office at 973-539-8008.