NCJW celebrates Hanukkah at the rec center

The National Council of Jewish Women celebrated the second night of Hanukkah on Monday night with a special event at the John A. Anderson recreation center, located at 111 North Oceanside Rd. in Rockville Centre.

During the festivities, children participated in creating fun holiday crafts while they filled their bellies with pizza and potato latkes.

“Just as pizza isn’t just cheese or crust, what makes Judiasm and Hanukkah so special is everything,” Rabbi Michael Cohen of Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth said, “and when you bring it all together it’s magnificent.”

After sharing a few words about the holidays, Cohen invited Mikaela McDonald to the stage to help light the Hanukkah menorah. Joining them on stage were Rockville Centre village officials and Rabbi David Lerner of Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David, who helped lead the group in prayer.

And, as a special treat for the children, the NCJW invited magician John Turdo to come and perform a variety of family-friendly magic tricks and illusions. The kids cheered with excitement as he made a rabbit and several other furry friends appear from thin-air.

In the Jewish faith, the Hebrew word “tzedakah,” refers to the spiritual obligation of performing charitable deeds and acts of generosity. That is why several families in attendance pitched in to help donate dozens of new and unwrapped toys for local charities.