OLD TAPPAN, N.J.—To celebrate Chanukah, Chabad of Old Tappan sponsored a community menorah lighting and firetruck gelt drop at Oakes Park in Old Tappan on Sunday, Dec. 22.
Old Tappan Mayor John Kramer lit the menorah (pictured above) as residents and neighbors enjoyed the festivities, which included live music, latkes and donuts, hot chocolate, gelt and dreidels.
Chanukah began the evening of Dec. 22 and ends the evening of Monday, Dec. 30. The holiday, also known as the Festival of Lights, celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century B.C.
The event occurred when Jews rose up against Greek-Syrian rulers in the Maccabean Revolt and drove them out of Jerusalem. In marking their victory and reclaiming and resanctifying the temple, the Jews lit its menorah, but found enough pure olive oil for a single day’s lighting, according to text.
It is written that the supply miraculously lasted eight days, hence the duration of the holiday.
The menorah holds nine candles: one for each of the eight nights of Chanukah, plus the shammash, or “helper,” which is used to light the other candles (the number of which increases each night of the holiday).