Photos: Menorah Lighting Marks Start of Chanukah in East Hampton

EAST HAMPTON, NY — The East Hampton community came together for a beautiful menorah lighting to mark the start of Chanukah, which fell on the same day as Christmas this year on Sunday.

The public menorah lighting in Herrick Park was hosted by the Chabad of the Hamptons of Woods Lane. A special six foot menorah stood next to a Christmas tree, symbolizing the fact that all of mankind is united in their journey together, no matter what individual beliefs may be.

The small candles on the menorah humbly shone the Light of Chanukah as East Hampton Village Mayor Paul Rickenbach, Jr. donned a yarmulke and joined Rabbi Leibel Baumgarten in lighting the second candle for the holiday. Goldie, the Rabbi's wife, shared doughnuts, hot cocoa, and, best of all, her famous homemade latkes with attendees.

A second lighting took place Monday at 5 p.m. at the entrance to Kirk Park in Montauk, and another will take place Thursday at 5 p.m. at the Amagansett Firehouse.

Photos by Richard Lewin Professional Photography, soniboy@aol.com.

Reporting by Richard Lewin.