Jefferson Lights the Menorah As Township Celebrates Hanukkah

The Festival of Lights, continues and Jefferson Township will mark the eight-day Jewish observance with an official town Menorah Lighting Tuesday night.

The ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday on the grounds of the Municipal Complex at 1033 Weldon Road in Lake Hopatcong.

Holiday music, a special Hanukkah reading, guest speakers, and traditional holiday foods and refreshments (think: jelly doughnuts) will be offered after the ceremony in the Municipal Building lobby.

The eight-day Festival of Lights commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BC. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and is observed by the kindling of the lights of a special candelabrum, the nine-branched Menorah, with one light lit on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night. 

An extra light called a shamash ("guard or servant" in Hebrew) is also lit each night for the purpose of lighting the others, and is given a distinct location, usually above or below the rest of the candles.

Attendees are encouraged to make a donation to the Jefferson Township pantries of nonperishable food items, paper and/or toiletries. 

For more information, call the Recreation Department at 973-663-8404, or log on to www.jeffersontownship.net