People came into The Networking Café in ones or twos, bundled up against a sudden drop in temperature. While not frigid, many of those who came to celebrate the lighting of the Menorah at the café on Dec. 2 were grateful for the cup of hot chocolate offered to them.
Although an annual tradition for the last decade, the Menorah lighting, hosted by the Bayonne Town Center, has seen sporadic attendance, some years bringing together only a handful of people. This was not the case this year, as people crowed into what is usually a sizeable space to share this Jewish ritual through song, prayer, and good company.
In the past, the ceremonies have been held in different locations, including Bayonne Community Bank and even the offices of the Town Center. But for the last two years – partly because of increased interest and attendance – the ceremony has been held at The Networking Café because of its larger space.
“It looks like we may have to find a larger place next year,” said Mary Divock, executive director of Town Center Management Corporation.
“One of the things that makes Bayonne such as special place is that we are just a diverse community.” – Mayor Mark Smith
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Children from the Hebrew School at Temple Emanu-El and others who attended joined together for Jewish prayers and sang some of the songs that are associated with this holiday. There are several songs associated with the festival of Hanukkah. The most well known in English-speaking countries include “Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel” and “Chanukah, Oh Chanukah.” In Israel, Hanukkah has become something of a national holiday.
Although Hanukkah is often closely associated with the non-Jewish holiday of Christmas, it is not a “Sabbath-like” holiday, Rabbi Miller said.
“There is no obligation to refrain from activities that are forbidden on the Sabbath,” Rabbi Miller said.
During Hanukkah, people go to work and schools remain open (although many gather just before sunset on each of the eight nights to light the menorah to recite blessings and sing).
“But it is tradition not to do any schoolwork or housework while the candles are burning,” Rabbi Miller said.
In many cases, the candles – when candles are used – are made to last at least 30 minutes. Traditionally, the candles are lighted just after sundown.
From the second night on, people often gather to exchange gifts and eat foods baked with oil – tasty dishes Miller noted his doctor said might also be bad for his health.
The festival is observed by the kindling of the lights of a unique candelabrum, the nine-branched Menorah or Hanukah. One additional candle is lit on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night.
Mayor Mark Smith, Assemblyman Jason O’Donnell, Council President Terrence Ruane, and council members Ray Greaves, Joseph Hurley and Deborah Czerwienski were among the dignitaries who attended the event.
“One of the things that makes Bayonne such as special place is that we are just a diverse community,” Mayor Smith said. “We celebrate very different cultures here. But it is events like this when we all come together as a community that makes this a special place to live in.”
Rabbi Miller thanked the Town Center for hosting this event, and public officials for showing such respect for the Jewish community, noting that this was made possible by more than a dozen professionals and businesses helping to sponsor it.