Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Marks Jewish Festival Of Lights

WEST HAVEN, CT — (Pictured, first photo): Rabbi Chanoch Wineberg of Chabad of Westville in New Haven, joined by his children, leads a Jewish blessing and the lighting of the menorah on the West Haven Green at the sundown celebration of the first day of Hanukkah on Sunday.

Among those in attendance were Mayor Nancy R. Rossi; City Council members Robbin Watt Hamilton, D-5, Treneé McGee, D-7, Barry Lee Cohen, R-10, and Gary Donovan, D-at large; City Clerk Patricia C. Horvath; Tax Collector Dorothy Chambrelli; and Planning and Zoning Commissioner Steven R. Mullins.

The annual ceremony marked the Jewish Festival of Lights, an eight-day commemoration of rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees after their victory over the Syrians.

Before the lighting, Rossi delivered words of inspiration, saying: “Never be afraid to stand up for what’s right. Judah Maccabee and his band faced daunting odds, but that didn’t stop them. With a prayer on their lips and faith in their heart, they entered the battle of their lives — and won. We can do the same.”