It’s time for Hanukkah fun, and the shul is planning a happy celebration to usher in the holiday. It all begins on Sunday, Dec. 22, at 5 p.m., when we will gather in Mitchell Park to light the first candle on Greenport’s giant menorah. Jews and non-Jews are invited to witness the menorah lighting, which is taking place this year on the first of the eight nights of Hanukkah.

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. With that in mind, the synagogue invites all those who attend the menorah lighting in the park to join the members and friends of the congregation for a Hanukkah party in the community room of the synagogue. Latkes and jelly doughnuts will be served. A ukulele group will entertain.

Rabbi Gadi Capela, spiritual leader of the synagogue, 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.

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, we prepare and eat foods deepfried in oil, such as potato pancakes and jelly doughnuts. Other celebrations associated with Hanukkah include playing the Dreidel Game, exchanging gifts, and giving gelt in small net bags of chocolate coins.
For more information about the menorah lighting in Mitchell Park, call the synagogue at
631-477-0232.