Meet Our New Members At A Hanukkah Party  

A Hanukkah alert: Fair warning, shul members and friends. Hanukkah comes this year only three days after Thanksgiving Day. Are you processing that? Here are the particulars: Thanksgiving is on Thursday, Nov. 25, and the first Hanukkah candle will be lighted on Sunday evening, Nov. 28. 

But here’s some nice news to accompany the shock. Greenport has given us the green light this year to plan a menorah lighting in Mitchell Park. Last year’s traditional Mitchell Park event was cancelled to avoid the risk of Covid. This being an outdoor event on what is likely to be a chilly evening, those fully vaccinated with masks and social distancing observed will be safe to welcome the Festival of Lights in the park, at 5 p.m. Rabbi Gadi will lead us in lighting the public menorah and the ritual prayers and songs. Shul president Judith Weiner and local officials will welcome us. 

Greet our honored guests, the shul’s new members 

Before the menorah lighting, we will head west on Front Street to the shul on Fourth Street, where Sisterhood will host a Hanukkah party — again, for those having filed proof of vaccination to ctigreenport@gmail.com — where we will greet and get to know our honored guests, the shul’s new members, enjoy an array of refreshments, and participate in a group menorah-lighting event. All of that will start at 4 p.m., in the social hall.

Sisterhood is inviting us to bring our own menorahs to the shul and share stories associated with how those menorahs came into our possession. [For instance, this writer’s official menorah was purchased following the birth of the first daughter, 56 years ago.] Or, the shul will provide menorahs and candles aplenty, plus dreidels and chocolate coins for the holiday.

It promises to be two joyous, fun events, made even more celebratory with your attendance.