Lights of the season

Posted Wednesday, December 21, 2011 7:00 pm

Robin Sackstein, James Sackstein, Rabbi Diamond and Jacob Fine were joined by Deputy Mayor Nancy Howard and Trustee Ed Oppenheimer at the village’s annual Hanukkah party.

Sue Grieco/Herald

Makayla Schwartz squealed with delight as the magician made a bunny appear — just like that!

Sue Grieco/ Herald

John Turdo of Simply Magic entertained children and adults at the party.

Susan Grieco/Herald

Jacob Fine let Rabbi Diamond sample a potato latke.

sue Grieco/ Herald

James Sackstein helped Rabbi Howard Diamond light the menorah a day early — on Monday night.

Sue Grieco/ Herald

On the evening before the beginning of Hanukkah — which started on Tuesday at sundown, the South Shore section of the National Council of Jewish Women teamed up with the Recreation Department to co-sponsor the village’s annual Hanukkah party from 5-6:30 in the auditorium of the Rec Center.

Rabbi Howard Diamond of Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David spoke about the holiday and explained how a menorah is lit, and children of all faiths from pre-school through second grade enjoyed making crafts while listening to traditional Hanukkah music. They also sampled traditional Hannukah fare — potato latkes — that are served with a side of either apple sauce or sour cream — and enjoyed face painting, gifts and a performance by magician John Turdo.

In a second Hanukkah-related village activity, Rabbi Diamond was set to be joined by Rabbi Marc Gruber of Central Synagogue of Nassau County and many residents on Wednesday night for the annual community menorah lighting and reception, hosted this year by Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David at the temple on Lakeview and Hempstead avenues.

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