West Haven Menorah Lighting Marks 2nd Day Of Hanukkah

Written by Michael P. Walsh

WEST HAVEN, CT — Rabbi Schneur Wilhelm of Chabad of Milford-Hebrew Congregation of Woodmont was joined on the West Haven Green by Mayor Nancy R. Rossi to celebrate the second night of Hanukkah on Monday, Dec. 19.

Wilhelm led an assembly of West Haven leaders and residents in a blessing before lighting the menorah with Rossi on the Main Street side of the downtown park.

The lighting marked day two of the eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights, a commemoration of rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees after their victory over the Syrians.

The annual ceremony featured lively performances of Jewish folk music by Nu Haven Kapelye. The popular local klezmer band — New England’s largest — is composed of violin, clarinet, mandolin, accordion, double bass, trombone and saxophone players and an accompanying Yiddish vocalist.

Wilhelm’s wife, Chanie, gave out light-up menorah necklaces, and members of ArtsWest CT gave out chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil, known as Hanukkah gelt.

Also attending the event were state Rep. Treneé McGee, D-West Haven; City Council members Robbin Watt Hamilton, D-5, and Victor M. Borras, D-8; City Clerk Patricia C. Horvath; and city Planning and Zoning Commissioner Steven R. Mullins.

Chanie Wilhelm, the wife of Rabbi Schneur Wilhelm, left, gives a light-up menorah necklace to Dalia Coleman, of Woodbridge, during festivities on the Green marking day two of the eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Members of Nu Haven Kapelye play a Jewish folk song. The popular local klezmer band — New England’s largest — is composed of violin, clarinet, mandolin, accordion, double bass, trombone and saxophone players and an accompanying Yiddish vocalist. (City Photos/Michael P. Walsh)

This press release was produced by the City of West Haven. The views expressed here are the author’s own.