Israeli Soldier, Back From Gaza, To Lead Hanukkah Drone Show In Livingston Area

LIVINGSTON, NJ — An Israeli Defense Forces soldier, back from Gaza, will lead a Hanukkah drone show and menorah lighting event in Livingston this Thursday.

The event will take place at LifeTown, a mini-town created to help North Jersey residents with disabilities learn life skills — and the solider is a former volunteer with Friendship Circle at Lifetown.

The organizers expect more than 1,000 people to attend, and the public is invited.

"As a bright display of support for Israel and in an effort to combat the darkness of antisemitism, Friendship Circle and Chabad at Short Hills will light up the night sky with a captivating drone light show to celebrate the start of Chanukah," said organizers. "The event will include the lighting of a large menorah, with the first candle lit by an Israeli-American soldier – and former Friendship Circle volunteer – who recently returned from Gaza."

Featuring dazzling Chanukah designs, the drone show will take place at LifeTown at 10 Microlab Road beginning at 6 pm.

The event will include the menorah lighting as well as traditional latkes, donuts, and a "gelt drop."

The show is being produced by Celestial, whose expert team has designed drone light shows around the world.

“What better way to come together and celebrate Chanukah – the festival of lights – than by transforming the night sky with a cutting-edge technology drone light show,” said Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum, CEO of Friendship Circle. “As a little light dispels much darkness, our hope is that these lights will help uplift, enlighten and inspire everyone, with continued prayer and good deeds for the people of Israel.”=

Friendship Circle of New Jersey provides support for children and teens with special needs and their families, as well as meaningful volunteer opportunities for teens.

Friendship Circle’s distinctive approach of pairing participants with teen volunteers motivates, inspires, and enriches everyone involved.

LifeTown is Friendship Circle’s 53,000 square foot center redefining the landscape for individuals with special needs. Its recreational, therapeutic, and educational facilities, the first of its kind in the region, cater to the needs of children, teens, and adults.

Hanukkah Begins

Towns throughout New Jersey will be lighting the menorah starting this Thursday, Dec. 7 at sundown to celebrate Hanukkah for eight days.

Hanukkah is the Hebrew word for dedication. The eight-day observance commemorates the time when the Jews rose up in the Second Century B.C. against leaders who wanted to suppress their religion and worship, known as the Maccabean Revolt.

As lore has it, a group of sheltering fighters had only enough olive oil to light one candle on their menorah, but it lasted eight days. (A menorah is an ancient candelabrum with several branches, designed to light a temple more brightly.)

While Hanukkah is a popular observance because of the celebrations, it's not the most religious holiday in Judaism. The most significant holidays include Passover, which commemorates Israelites' escape from Egypt (April 22, 2024); Rosh Hashana, which marks the new year (Oct. 2, 2024); and Yom Kippur, the most solemn of the Jewish religious holidays, when Jews seek to make up for their sins and reconcile with God (Oct. 11, 2024). Next year, Hannukah will begin at sundown on Dec. 25, 2024.