Hanukkah Celebration Dec. 2

Menorah Lighting in Mitchell Park And Latke Party At The Shul Klezmer Band, KVETCH,  Adds To The Fun

Congregation Tifereth Israel invites members and friends to Mitchell Park on Sunday, Dec. 2, at 5 p.m., to witness the lighting of Greenport’s Hanukkah menorah, which is taking place this year on the first 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 in a display of friendship and respect among religions.

All those who attend the menorah lighting in the park are invited to join the members and friends of the congregation for a Hanukkah party in the community room of the synagogue. Latkes and jelly doughnuts — traditional foods associated with Hanukkah — will be served.

KVETCH, a klezmer band, will add to the festivities, thanks to a contribution from the Marshall S. Hurwitz Fund. Musicians are Andrea Urist, flute/tenor sax; Steve Wishnia, bass; Marilyn Glickman Gold, accordion; and Peter Kowalsky, doumbek/Greek baglama/baritone horn.

Rabbi Gadi will lead those attending the menorah lighting ceremony in blessings and songs of the holiday. Scheduled to participate in the Mitchell Park program are synagogue president Susan Rosenstreich and other local dignitaries.

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 and consecrate sacred oil.

In recognition of the importance of oil in this holiday, observers prepare and eat foods deep-fried in oil, such as potato pancakes and jelly doughnuts. 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 gold foil-covered chocolate coins.

For more information about the menorah lighting in Mitchell Park or The Latke Party at Congregation Tifereth Israel, 519 Fourth Street, Greenport, NY 11944 or call the synagogue at 631-477-0232.