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

Jewish holiday's message more poignant after Superstorm Sandy left many people in the dark, rabbi says.

Rabbi Shalom Lubin, director of Chabad of SE Morris County, which holds community menorah lighting ceremonies in Madison, Chatham Borough, Chatham Township, East Hanover and Florham Park during Hanukkah each year, 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…

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Rose Guide

Hanukkah Lightings, Christmas Events This Weekend

Other than holiday events, there seems to be lots of chocolate around town this weekend.

The seventh annual Advent Festival at the United Methodist Church has everything anyone could need to get into the holiday spirit: children's music with Miss Kathy, plenty of gifts–from handmade jewelry to fair trade coffees, teas, chocolates, and nuts–visits with Santa, children's crafts, and a cookie walk where guests can buy a tin and fill it with assorted treats. Joshua's Closet, a charity organization that donates all of its profits to The Cancer Institute of New Jersey in New Brunswick, will also be in attendance, selling children's clothing and toys at the festival to raise funds. "[The festival] is a way to draw the community into our church and welcome the start of Advent," said Laurie Hagerich, an organizer of the event. "And we …

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Holidays in Madison

Madison Celebrates Start of Hanukkah

Chabad of SE Morris County held community menorah lighting.

An annual tradition for more than 10 years now, Chabad of SE Morris County held its menorah lighting in Madison on Wednesday night to celebrate the beginning of Hanukkah. Rabbi Shalom Lubin said it is a community event that brings together people of all ages and backgrounds. Children, college students, and other residents were part of the celebration, which included singing and holiday refreshments. The following is a gallery from the event.

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