It was a cold night for the annual Menorah lighting at the Derby Hall Bandstand last Monday. The event, which is sponsored by the Oyster Bay Civic Association, was well attended though, with Oyster Bay Jewish Center’s Rabbi Marvin Demant leading the crowd in cheerful Chanukah songs.
“Every year we gather at the gazebo to celebrate the miracle of Chanukah,” said Rabbi Demant. “It is actually very special this year because Thanksgiving and Chanukah will overlap for the first time in almost 100 years.”
Rabbi Demant led the crowd in Chanukah songs and blessings while event-goers drank hot chocolate and apple cider and ate traditional Jewish fare like potato latkes and apple sauce. All of the catering at the event was provided by Bagel Boss.
“I am happy to be here in Oyster Bay celebrating the festival of lights,” said Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Rebecca Alesia, who attended the event with Town Clerk Jim Altadonna and Legislator Judy Jacobs. “I want to thank the Civic
Association and the Jewish Center for inviting me and think it is great to share in this special event.”
Legislator Jacobs said that despite the freezing weather she was, “blessed to take part in this wonderful Chanukah tradition.”
Oyster Bay Civic Association board member Stan Speigelman, who was scheduled to chair the event, was unable to make it due to an illness.
