Instead of kicking off Hanukkah with a menorah lighting, the Village of Rockville Centre marked the holiday’s conclusion, gathering after a long, cold week to celebrate the eighth and final night.
After a snowstorm postponed the original Dec. 14 ceremony, village officials and residents came together last Sunday at the Village Green for the rescheduled menorah lighting, closing out the holiday with reflection, music and a strong sense of community.
Despite the storm, the menorah continued to shine throughout the week, symbolizing resilience and faith until the public celebration could be held.
The ceremony opened with welcoming remarks from Village Justice Mindy Roman, who filled in for Mayor Francis X. Murray, who was ill and unable to attend.
“I know there’s a sense of community in being together with everything going on in the world,” Roman said. “It’s so beautiful that we can all be together and lean on each other — to share the bad times, but especially good times like tonight.”
Rabbi Aviva Bass of Central Synagogue–Beth Emeth spoke about the tradition of lighting Hanukkah candles according to the teachings of Hillel, adding one candle each night as the holiday progresses.
“Shammai said we should start with all eight wicks and then diminish the light, and Hillel said we should increase the light,” Bass said. “It is my prayer that the increase of light we’re experiencing on this eighth night may radiate forward and extinguish the hatred and darkness in our world.”
Rabbi David J. Lerner introduced religious school students and Cantor Alty Weinreb of Congregation B’nai Sholom–Beth David, who led the community in a series of holiday songs.
“What greater light than the next generation connecting to their tradition and their heritage?” Lerner said.
Residents from near and far joined in the celebration, shaking tambourines and singing along as children gathered around Weinreb’s guitar, adding to the festive atmosphere despite the frigid temperatures.
The ceremony also included a moment of remembrance for victims of a recent terrorist attack against the Jewish community in Bondi Beach, Australia.
“Although we want to bring in light and joy, we also have to remember our brothers and sisters who were tragically taken from us during this holiday,” Lerner said. “Yes, there’s darkness in our lives sometimes, but let’s bring in light and give it all we have.”
The tragedy resonated deeply in Rockville Centre, particularly for Rabbi Mendel Gurkov of Chabad of Rockville Centre. Gurkov received his rabbinical ordination in Australia and lived there for several years with his wife, who is Australian.
“I remember going to the Hanukkah menorah lighting on Bondi Beach and marveling at the weather,” Gurkov said. “It was summer there, and I can’t get that image out of my head.
“That’s why Hanukkah comes at the end of the month, when there’s no moon and it’s darkest,” he added. “You light one candle, one good deed, one act of kindness. You keep pushing, even when it’s hard, and eight days later you have a full Hanukkah — a beautiful light.”
