Chabad prepares to celebrate Hanukkah

Chester — Chabad of Orange County, headed by Rabbi Pesach and Chana Burston, is offering an array of Hanukkah celebrations for all ages and backgrounds. The Jewish festival of lights is celebrated this year from Dec. 20 to 29. “The story of Hanukkah occurred many years ago,” says Rabbi Pesach Burston, “but the contemporary messages we can apply to our lives are powerful. We look forward to bringing the warmth, spirit and unique lessons of Hanukkah with the community.” Events and activities Pre-Hanukkah evening hosted by the Jewish Women’s Circle on Sunday, Dec. 11, at Hot Pots Ceramic Studio in Washingtonville. Paint a Hanukkah item while learning about the Miracle of the Oil. “Mommy and me with a Jewish Twists” will pre-Hanukkah party from 10 to 11:45 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 12, at the Chabad Center, 1170 Route 17M, Suite 1, Chester, for children ages newborn to two and half. Hanukkah songs, finger plays, giant dreidels, holiday projects, treats, and grab bag exchange. “Tiny Kosher Chefs” preschool program pre-Hanukkah party from 12:30 to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13, at the Chabad Center for children ages two to five. Create edible menorahs and chocolate dreidels, play Hanukkah games, blow dreidel bubbles. Special holiday packages prepared by Chabad’s Bat-Mitzvah Club and Teens in Action Girl’s Club will be delivered to residents at Elant in Goshen on Sunday, Dec. 18. “Hanukkah in Outer Space” Community Party from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 20, at Colonial Lanes, Chester. Cosmic Bowling, “Fire, Light and Glow Show,” food that’s “out of this world” and a “Moonorah” lighting. Hanukkah Sunday Funday on Sunday, Dec. 25, at Chabad Center — Olive oil press workshop, Hanukkah film, latke bar, doughnut decorating, and Menorah lighting. Public menorah lightings — Hanukkah songs, dreidels, hot latkes and other traditional Hanukkah treats such as doughnuts and chocolate “gelt," local dignitaries sharing words of greeting: Monroe at 5: 30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 845 Route 17M, (Chase Bank Building, corner of Gilbert Street) Tuxedo at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 26, at the Tuxedo Train Station, across Tuxedo Park entrance. Reception inside the train station. Goshen at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 27, on the Village Green. Rabbi Pesach, accompanied by Chabad staff and volunteers, will be visiting adult homes and nursing homes throughout the area over the holiday, bringing joy and cheer, latkes and chocolate “gelt,” to the residents. Students at Chabad Hebrew School designed Menorahs for a Hebrew School Menorah Contest. Entries included a four foot high stuffed and sewn Menorah, a lego Menorah, an ice-cream cone Menorah, a foil Menorah, a Q-Tip Menorah. Menorahs are on display at the Chabad Center. For more information or to request a free menorah, visit www.ChabadOrange.com, call 782-2770, or email info@ChabadOrange.com Hanukkah on the Web If you are asking yourself, “How do I light the Menorah: From right to left or left to right?” “What blessings do I make?” “Got any good Latke Recipes?” “Hey, why do we eat Latkes?” “What is the Kabbalah of Hanukkah?” “Where do I find local and Global Hanukkah celebrations?” “Why do we play dreidel?” “Do I have to eat fried food on Hanukkah or can I stick to my diet?” Answers can be found at Chabad’s special Hanukkah Web site at www.ChabadOrange.com/Hanukkah.