Community Corner
Menorah Lighting Held at Stew Leonard's
Joseloff joins local dignitaries in holiday observation.
Music, dancing and merriment were all in play at Stew Leonard's this evening during the store's 17th annual menorah lighting celebrating the Jewish holiday of Chanukah.
The festivities were led by Rabbi Yehoshua Hecht from Beth Israel Synagogue of Westport/Norwalk and Rabbi Levi Stone from the Schneerson Center of Westport. During the menorah lighting, the rabbis were joined by Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff, Norwalk Mayor Dick Moccia, Norwalk Police Chief Harry Rilling and Norwalk Town Clerk Andy Garfinkle.
Hecht distributed Chanukah gelt (chocolate coin-shaped candy) and dradles to children in attendance. Potato latkes, doughnuts and juice were offered free of charge to members of the community who came to enjoy the event.
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The menorah at Stew Leonard's is 17 feet tall and stands nearby a brightly lit Christmas tree. Joseloff thanked Rabbi Hecht and Stew Leonard's for hosting the "joyous" ceremony, while Moccia observed that it was harmonious to see a menorah and Christmas tree standing side by side.
Kathie Oberst, who attended the menorah lighting with her two youngsters, agrees. "We've been coming here every single year," she said. "It's a nice event to see and take part in." Her children, Rachel, 6, and Joshua, 8, also enjoy the festive atmosphere.
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Ralph Finger came upon the menorah lighting unexpectedly. "We just happened to be here, but this is a really nice event," he said. He was with his two young children, ages 1 ½ and 4 ¾.
Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, began Friday. It is an eight-day religious celebration where people of the Jewish faith honor their religious freedom and commemorate the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days.
The menorah is lit for eight-days to commemorate this miracle. There are nine candleholders on the menorah, one for each night of Chanukah, plus another one called the Shamash, which is used to light the other eight candles. Families gather at nightfall to rekindle the menorah flames, rededicate themselves to their faith, and share in festive meals.
