Hanukkah Reminds 'Little Bit of Light Can Go a Long Way'

Rabbi Shalom Lubin, director of Chabad of SE Morris County, which , said the Jewish holiday is especially poignant after Superstorm Sandy left many people figuratively and literally in the dark.

The eight-day Festival of Lights, which began Saturday evening, serves as a reminder that "the light within our hearts should light our surroundings" and "a little bit of light can go a long way," Lubin said.

Hanukkah, which commemorates the Maccabees' rededication of the Holy Temple after their victory over the Syrians, during which one day’s supply of oil for the temple menorah miraculously lasted eight full days, has a "universal message of light, hope and religious freedom," Lubin said

Mayors, officials, and all residents and businesspeople are invited to the menorah lightings, which are followed by refreshments.

Chabad of SE Morris County was scheduled to hold a menorah lighting on Sunday, the second night of Hanukkah, at the Madison Train Station, and on Monday at the gazebo at Memorial Park on Southern Boulevard in Chatham Township.

Community menorah lightings are planned for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Tuesday's lighting is at the gazebo in Firehouse Plaza on Fairmount Avenue in Chatham Borough. Wednesday's lighting is in front of East Hanover Town Hall at 411 Ridgedale Ave. in East Hanover. Thursday's lighting, the sixth night of Hanukkah, is in front of the gazebo at the Florham Park municipal complex, 111 Ridgedale Ave. in Florham Park.

For more information about Chabad of SE Morris County, a Jewish outreach, educational and social service organization on Park Avenue in Madison, call 973-377-0707, email info@chabadcares.com, or visit www.chabadcares.com.

Click "Upload Photos" to add your photos from any of the community menorah lighting ceremonies.