Hanukkah Menorah Lit in West Orange

The front of West Orange Town Hall was brightly lit Wednesday evening when members of the Lubavitch Center Shul and township dignitaries lit an eight-foot Hanukkah menorah to celebrate the second night of the Festival of Lights.

Rabbi Mendy Kasowitz joined with Mayor Robert Parisi, councilman Sal Anderton and other township officials and guests to light the oil on the menorah on the front lawn of the township complex. 

After the recitation of some blessings, the crowd sang some Hanukkah songs. Sufganiyot, special Hanukkah jelly donuts only served during the holiday, were served to guests. 

Hanukkah recalls the victory of Jewish soldiers, collectively known as the Maccabees, over the occupying Greek armies. 

The menorah, a candelabrum with nine branches used for Hanukkah, symbolizes the holiday and commemorates the rededication of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. 

The Lubavitch Center Shul will hold another menorah lighting on Monday evening, Dec. 26 at Livingston Mall beginning at 5 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public.