Rockland Post Desk
PEARL RIVER — On the evening of Monday, Dec. 15, local residents gathered downtown for the annual Pearl River Community Menorah Lighting, a heartwarming tradition that marked the second night of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. The celebration — hosted at the corner of Main Street and Central Avenue — brought families, friends and neighbors together for an evening of light, song and seasonal treats.
Organized by Chabad of the Nyacks in partnership with Beth Am Temple, this year’s event drew dozens of visitors bundled against the winter chill to witness the lighting of the menorah, the nine-branched candelabrum central to Hanukkah observances. After the lighting, community members enjoyed Hanukkah treats and holiday cheer.
“It’s about light, hope and coming together as a community,” said one attendee, echoing the spirit of the festival. Local officials and faith leaders were also on hand to welcome neighbors and highlight the importance of cultural celebration in Rockland.
Several other menorah lighting events were held around the county during the holiday season, including ceremonies in Congers Station Park and at Beth Am Temple later in the week, all open to the public.
Hanukkah: A Festival of Light and History
Hanukkah — also spelled Chanukah — is an eight-night Jewish holiday that commemorates a defining moment in ancient Jewish history. More than 2,000 years ago, a small band of Jewish fighters known as the Maccabees reclaimed and rededicated the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by foreign rulers. According to tradition, a small amount of ritual oil found in the Temple lasted eight nights — long enough to prepare new oil — a miracle that the lighting of the menorah recalls each year.
Although Hanukkah was once a modest religious observance, it has grown into a broader cultural festival of lights celebrated in Jewish communities across the United States and around the world. Public menorah lightings — often hosted by local synagogues, Chabad centers and community groups — have become a meaningful way for families and neighbors to share the story of Hanukkah and its message of resilience, hope and unity.
In Rockland County, community menorah lightings have taken place in towns and villages for many years. Events in Suffern and Tallman have attracted hundreds, featuring creative displays such as a giant bubble-gum menorah and family-friendly programming. Public celebrations have also included menorah lightings at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, bringing together healthcare workers, elected officials and residents to honor the season.
These gatherings remind us that the Festival of Lights isn’t just a time for celebration, but also a chance to reach across cultures and share in a tradition that has stood the test of centuries. As the flames of the menorah shine against the long winter nights, Rockland communities are once again reaffirming the holiday’s core message — that light, faith and community can brighten even the darkest of times.