By Linda Delmonico-Prussen
About 100 people, including a host of elected leaders, attended the brief but truly beautiful service, held this past Sunday at 7 p.m.
The Merrick Chamber of Commerce provided hot chocolate and Dunkin' Munchkins, and the Merrick Chorale, under the direction of Richard Gilley, sang holiday songs.
Chamber President Julie Marchesella opened the festive event. Pastor Jim Manion, pastor of Cure of Ars Roman Catholic Church, offered a few words. He spoke of the Merrick community as a "people struck by the gift of life even in the dead of winter." As the Christmas tree was lit, Manion said, "We become lights in a world of fear."
Rabbi Maurice Simckes, spiritual leader of Temple Israel of South Merrick, followed at the microphone and said, "We are very much blessed in the Merrick community." He spoke of the different people of Merrick coming together as they follow many different paths to one God.
Simckes also said, "May God bless America and all the freedom-loving countries of the world," adding, "May almighty God grant us all hope for the future."
Marchesella closed the ceremony wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah.
