Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Jewish community of Rockville Centre and surrounding neighborhoods gathered on Dec. 13, the second night of Hanukkah, at B’nai Sholom-Beth David for a joint celebration with Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth.
After group renditions of the national anthems of Israel and the U.S., remarks from the rabbis of both synagogues — including Rabbi Howard Diamond and Rabbi Marc Gruber — religious school leaders, and Mayor Francis X. Murray, the children of B’nai Sholom-Beth David’s Hebrew school performed a rousing chorus of “Hanukkah, O! Hanukkah.”
The menorah was lit, Murray said, as a reminder “that light will overcome the darkness, that goodness will overcome evil and that faith can accomplish miracles. Hanukkah is a time of spreading light into the world.”
After reciting the “kidshanu,” a prayer said during the lighting, those assembled poured into the adjacent reception room for latkes and doughnuts. Mr. Shabbos, an acoustic rock band fronted by Rabbi Josh Alpert of Glen Cove, was on hand providing lively holiday music.
After a few traditional Hebrew songs, Alpert handed his guitar off to a band mate and started a “hora” circle with a group of children, who had by then finished their treats.
