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Celebrating the festival of light

| 19 Dec 2012 | 02:03
    Photos by Linda Smith Hancharick Rabbi Mendy Gurkov speak sto the crowd at the menorrah lighting last Thursay in front of town hall.
    Photos by Linda Smith Hancharick Rabbi Mendy Gurkov speak sto the crowd at the menorrah lighting last Thursay in front of town hall.
    Gurkov lights one of the candles on the menorrah.
    Gurkov lights one of the candles on the menorrah.
    After the ceremony, kids and adults alike enjoyed latkes and chocolate gelt.
    After the ceremony, kids and adults alike enjoyed latkes and chocolate gelt.

WEST MILFORD — About 80 people came out last Thursday night for the lighting of the menorah in front of West Milford's town hall. Rabbi Mendy Gurkov of the Chabad of Upper Passaic County led the ceremony on a cold night, the glow of the Christmas lights in the background. Mayor Bettina Bieri lit the first light of the menorah, on that sixth night of Hanukkah. Gurkov explained the story of Hanukkah, that a small group of Jewish soldiers defeated one of the world's largest. There was only enough oil for their lamp for one night but the oil miraculously lasted for eight nights. And so is the festival of lights, Hanukkah.

This was the first time a public menorah ceremony was held at the township. Gurkov asked the township council to allow him to put the menorah on township property last month. The council said yes, then no, then yes again after multiple discussions about allowing what some consider a religious symbol on township property for the holiday season. Councilmen Joe Smolinski and Mike Ramaglia were on hand for the ceremony. Both have been in favor of of Gurkov's desire to hold this ceremony.

But that was far from the minds of those who came to celebrate Hanukkah last Thursday. The group sang and smiled as Gurkov led them. After the lights of the Menorah were lit, there were traditional potato latkes and chocolate gelt to enjoy.