The Hanukkah Happening is celebration of lights open to everyone in Sea Cliff and Glen Head

We just wanted a way to bring the community together again.”

Marcie Denburg, former organizer

The Hanukkah Happening event in Sea Cliff is a cherished tradition that has been uniting the community for over 20 years. The event, organized by dedicated volunteers from throughout the Sea Cliff and Glen Head communities, has evolved from a small gathering into a vibrant celebration that welcomes families of all backgrounds.

Julie Gordon-Hert, a former long-time organizer of the happening, said that the event started over two decades ago, initially funded by parents who took turns hosting it.

Eventually, support from local organizations like the Sea Cliff-Glen Head Lions Club became crucial in making the event possible. Over the years, the event has adapted, with a shift from suggested donations to a fixed fee, and the recent addition of a dinner.

“It’s always open to anyone,” Gordon-Hert said. “It’s really just an invitation to come here and help celebrate.”

The Hanukkah Happening is not solely a religious event but a community affair. While Rabbi Irwin Huberman and Cantor Gustavo Gitlin from Congregation Tifereth Israel have consistently volunteered their time, the event is open to everyone, regardless of religious affiliation. The Sea Cliff Fire Department graciously hosts the celebration each year, offering space without charge.

Gordon-Hert emphasizes the community’s involvement, mentioning the collaboration with the local school and the participation of teenagers earning community service hours. The event features various crafts, games, and activities suitable for children of different ages.

While in previous years attendees brought their own menorahs to light, this was deemed to be too much of a fire hazard, and now the group lights one to symbolize the Festival of Lights.

Marcie Denburg, one of the current organizers, describes herself as part of the “next generation” who took over the event from its original organizers. The transition occurred just before COVID, with Denburg co-chairing the event with Victoria Bader last year. This year, the plans include engaging activities like slime making, scratch art, a raffle, and a Major League Dreidel spin-off, adding an element of friendly competition.

“We just wanted a way to bring the community together again,” Denburg added. “Whether you’re Jewish or not Jewish or practicing, it really doesn’t matter.”

The event, scheduled for this coming Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. at the Sea Cliff Firehouse, welcomes families to participate in crafts and festivities. It is geared towards children aged three to eight, but older kids are encouraged to join as volunteers. Denburg said a light dinner with traditional elements like latkes and the addition of Hebrew National Hot Dogs.

The Hanukkah Happening aims to be inclusive, fostering a sense of community and celebration. There is no need for RSVP; attendees can simply show up at the firehouse. As a precautionary measure, there will be a police presence to ensure everyone’s comfort and security.

Despite the challenges of the past couple of years due to the pandemic, the organizers are determined to keep this beloved tradition alive, providing a space for the community to come together and celebrate the holiday season.