Chanukah will be celebrated in a big way this year in Morristown. Here’s more, from the Rabbinical College of America:
14-FOOT GLOW IN THE DARK MENORAH TO LIGHT UP MORRISTOWN!
The Rabbinical College of America, and its affiliate, Chabad Young Professionals of Morristown, will ignite a public 14-foot menorah erected at the Morristown Green, followed by a community-wide celebration on the Fifth night of Chanukah, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016, at 5:30 pm.
The ceremony will feature the Mayor of Morristown, the Honorable Tim Dougherty; the dean of the Rabbinical college, Rabbi Moshe Herson, and other community leaders and dignitaries.
Following the menorah lighting ceremony, participants will enjoy jelly doughnuts (a traditional Chanukah treat), a performance by the choir of Cheder Chabad of Morristown, followed by a fire and light show by Keith Leaf entertainment.
The public menorah lighting was organized by Rabbi Moishe Gurevitz, director of Chabad Young professionals – Morristown, who remarked:
“The Menorah serves as a symbol of Morristown’s dedication to preserve and encourage the right and liberty of all its citizens to worship G-d freely, openly, and with pride. Specifically in America, a nation that was founded upon and vigorously protects the right of every person to practice his or her religion free from restraint and persecution, the Menorah takes on profound significance, embodying both religious and constitutional principles.”
Morristown’s Menorah is one of thousands of large public menorahs sponsored by Chabad throughout the world, helping children and adults of all walks of life discover and enjoy the holiday message.
The Menorah is sponsored by Shoprite of Morristown, J and S Designer Flooring, and Glassworks of Morristown.
Throughout the State of New Jersey, The Rabbinical college of America will be presenting scores of Chanukah events and celebrations, including public menorah lightings, giant menorahs made out of ice and Legos, Menorah Parades, Latkes parties, Giant Dreidel Houses, “Chanukah Wonderlands” and more.
To find a local event in New Jersey or practically anywhere throughout the world, visit www.Chabad.org/Chanukah. For more information about Chanukah and a local schedule of events visit CypMorristown.com
EVENT RECAP:
What: Chanukah on the Green
Where: The Morristown Green
When: Wednesday, Dec. 28, 5:30pm
ABOUT CHANUKAH
Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, recalls the victory more than 2,100 years ago of a militarily weak but spiritually strong Jewish people who defeated a ruthless enemy that had overrun ancient Israel and sought to impose restrictions on the Jewish way of life, prohibit religious freedom and force the Jewish people to accept a foreign religion.
During the occupation of Jerusalem and the Temple, the Syrian Greeks desecrated and defiled the oils prepared for the lighting of the Menorah, which was part of the daily service in the temple. Upon recapturing the Temple from the Syrian Greeks, the Jewish people found only one jar of undefiled oil, enough to burn only one day, but it lasted miraculously for eight days until new, pure olive oil was produced.
In commemoration of this event, the Jewish people celebrate Chanukah for eight days by lighting an eight-branched candelabra known as a Menorah. The Menorah is placed in highly-visible place to publicize the miracle, with its message of hope and religious freedom, to all. Today, people of all faiths consider the Chanukah holiday as a symbol and message of the triumph of freedom over oppression, of spirit over matter, of light over darkness.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
Rabbi Moishe and Mushkie Gurevitz moved to Morristown about six months ago to start Chabad Young Professionals – Morristown. Chabad offers Jewish education, Shabbat and Holiday programs, social events and programs for all Jews in Morristown, regardless of background, or affiliation. The young professional group hosts events geared to Jews in their 20s and 30s. Monthly Sushi & Scotch, Shabbat Dinners, and Holiday programs bring the group together often. Contact Rabbi Moishe at 718.772.5406, cypmorristown.com, of facebook.com/cypmorristown. An affiliate of the Rabbinical College of America
