Congregation Tifereth Israel in Greenport invites Jews and non-Jews alike to Mitchell Park on Sunday, Dec. 10, at 5 p.m., to witness the lighting of Greenport’s Hanukkah menorah, to take place this year on the fourth night of the eight-night holiday. In the spirit of ecumenism, the menorah will remain lighted throughout the holiday season, sharing the park with the Village’s Christmas tree.

Scheduled to participate in the menorah-lighting ceremony are Greenport Village leaders, synagogue president Sara Bloom, and the synagogue’s spiritual leader, Rabbi Gadi Capela, who will lead those in attendance in prayers and songs of the holiday.

The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, called the Festival of Lights, commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after desecration by Antiochus IV during the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah also is a reminder of the miracle that took place then. With only enough consecrated oil to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day, the oil burned for eight days — the length of time needed to press, prepare, consecrate and secure oil.

In recognition of the importance of oil in this holiday, observers prepare and eat foods deep-fried in oil, such as potato pancakes (latkes) and jelly doughnuts (sufganiot). Other celebrations associated with Hanukkah include playing the Dreidel (a kind of top) Game, exchanging gifts, and giving gelt (money), commemorated by small net bags of foil-covered chocolate coins.

For more information about the menorah lighting in Mitchell Park, call the synagogue at 631-477-0232.