To the editor:
Valley Chabad will ignite six public menorahs erected across the Pascack and Saddle River Valley communities, followed by celebrations throughout Chanukah. Prominent community leaders and local elected officials will be in attendance.
Following the menorah lighting ceremonies, guests are invited to join in the singing and to enjoy traditional Chanukah foods such as donuts, latkes and chocolate gelt coins for the children.
This year, the annual tradition in the Pascack Valley and Saddle River communities takes on extra significance in the wake of the horrific mass shooting Dec. 10 in Jersey City.
At each lighting, the lights will be lit in memory of Jersey City Police Detective Joseph Seals, as well as the victims of the kosher market killed in the targeted attack of hate.
Said Rabbi Dov Drizin, Valley Chabad’s executive director, “Our response as a community is to come together. When we come together as one can be an unstoppable force for good and light. This is the story of Chanukah and this is the relevant message we can live with today.”
The events are:
• Sunday, Dec. 22 at 4 p.m. at River Vale Community Center, 628 Rivervale Road, River Vale.
• Monday, Dec. 23 at 4:30 p.m. at Tice’s Mall in Woodcliff Lake (in front of F. Silverman Jewelers).
• Monday, Dec. 23 at 6 p.m. at Allendale Borough Hall.
• Monday, Dec. 23 at 6 p.m. at the Montvale Train Station.
• Thursday, Dec. 26 at 6 p.m. at the Westwood Train Station.
• Thursday, Dec. 26 at 6 p.m. at Old Mill Pond in Woodcliff Lake.