Happy Hanukkah
Goshen. Festivities in Goshen brought light to the dark and warmth to the brisk evening.
| 08 Dec 2021 | 03:59
Oliver Kopolovich, who was born on Hanukkah last year, is happy to be celebrating with a yummy latke. He’s here with his mom, Marissa, who comes every year to Goshen from Campbell Hall to the celebration. Photos by Geri Corey.
A dreidel carved in ice at the Hanukkah celebration last week in Goshen.
The celebration honoring the “Festival of Lights” was held on Tuesday evening, Nov. 30, at Village Park in the Village of Goshen.
Sponsored by Chabad of Orange County in Goshen, the festivities included traditional Jewish music with high-spirited dancing, hot chocolate, enough filled donuts to satisfy all of Goshen and plenty of potato pancakes, called latkes, to bring smiles to everyone’s face.
“Rabbi Meir Borenstein does a good job of bringing everything together at this event,” said Goshen resident Jonathan Kossar, who added, “I love living in Goshen. It’s a beautiful place.”
Local politicians attended and spoke at the celebration, with Goshen Town Supervisor Doug Bloomfield saying, “This is a wonderful, wonderful holiday. From the citizens of Goshen, Town Hall employees and the Town Board, we wish you a happy Hanukkah, goodness and joy.”
Judge Carol S. Klein wished everyone peace, good health and happiness. Borenstein, the director of Chabad of Orange County in Goshen, replied to the judge: “Wishing you continuous wisdom to judge in the County.”
Of course, the evening had to include lighting the huge Menorah, which was accomplished by Steve Ayzenberg, using a blowtorch. According to Jewish tradition, the Menorah must have a real flame. After the ceremony the candles are switched to bulbs to safely keep the Menorah lit through the whole holiday season, until after January 1.
Then came the highlight of the event for the children: dropping the gelt — gold-foiled covered chocolate coins. The children excitedly gathered the coins from the ground while being encouraged by adults to take four each and then share with others.
Happy Hanukkah to all.