JACKSON – On Dec. 29, the sixth night of Hanukkah, hundreds of residents of all ages came to the Jackson municipal building to participate in the lighting of the menorah.
Guests were greeted by Honey and Bob Greenberg in the lobby of town hall and enjoyed kosher jelly donuts, chocolate gelt, beverages and spinning dreidels. They were welcomed to the annual event by municipal officials.
Linda Selznick, representing Bat Shalom Hadassah, read a certificate of thankfulness, “Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace … Where there is darkness, light,“ written by Bat Shalom Hadassah.
The certificate was presented to Mayor Michael Reina and the members of the Township Council in appreciation of their permission to hold the event and to Department of Public Works employees who make sure the event runs smoothly, according to a press release.
Rabbi Emeritus Michael Klein and Annie Klein, of Congregation Ahavat Olam, Howell, shared “the true message of Hanukkah, the right for people to believe as they choose, without coercion or fear.”
The Rev. John Bambrick, pastor of St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church, Jackson, stated the need “… to be people of encounter, accompaniment and dialogue, and to walk with one another and our neighbors. May we reject the aimless paths of disagreement and closed-mindedness and work to build bridges of understanding, harmony and peace among people of all faiths.”
Director Priscilla Baker and Master of Ceremonies Albert Vrancart led the vibrant chorus of the Four Seasons of Metedeconk Lakes residential development.
Drew Staffenberg, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Ocean County, said, “In lighting the Hanukkah menorah, I hope the lights of each candle will shine brightly for the entire year and challenge each of us to work together for peace and freedom for all.”
At the menorah outside town hall, Rabbi Yosef Carlebach, executive director of the Chabad of South and Central New Jersey, lit the candles.
Representatives of Bat Shalom Hadassah, the Yiddish clubs of Westlake, Winding Ways, Metedeconk and South Knolls, and Jewish community leaders, were honored by lighting a ceremonial candle.
