By Stephen E. Lipken

Among the many Westchester County Chanukah celebrations, Chabad Pelham presented “Chanukah on Fifth, a Glow in the Dark Spectacular” at the Pelham Town House, and Chabad of Larchmont and Mamaroneck featured “Unite Through Light in Solidarity with Israel Community Chanukah Celebration” at 101 Mamaroneck Avenue, Mamaroneck. 

An estimated 175 citizens attended the Chabad Pelham celebration, along with Town of Pelham Councilmembers Kristen Burke and Maura Curtin, Supervisor Dan McLaughlin, Pelham Manor Trustees Tim Case, Maurice Owen-Michaane, and Village of Pelham Mayor Chance Mullen.

Hot latkes, sufganiyot, and cookies were served, along with a spectacular light show by the Neon Circus dancers. There were also glow-in-the-dark dreidel and menorah floor decorations. The program concluded outside with the lighting of a giant outdoor Menorah.

“The book about tonight was that each and every one of us has a beautiful and bright Neshama or soul to share and one of the messages of Chanukah candles is when we encounter darkness like the Maccabees, what do we do to increase the light?,” Chabad Pelham Rabbi Levi Groner asked.

On the seventh night of Chanukah, Chabad of Larchmont and Mamaroneck, 101 Mamaroneck Avenue, Mamaroneck presented “Dreidel House, a Chanukah Wonderland for the Entire Family, Israel Edition,” featuring a glow-in-the-dark tunnel, virtual reality experience, crafts, and a Chanukah gift shop. An estimated 150 citizens attended, including Village of Mamaroneck Trustee Nora Lucas.

Latkes, chocolate donuts, and powdered donuts were offered. Many menorahs were on display, including several lighted LEGO menorahs. A Maccabee Photo Booth enabled people to be photographed in Maccabee costumes. 

Climaxing the celebration, Rabbi Chaim Pinczower lit a giant outdoor menorah, courtesy of the Village of Mamaroneck Fire Department tower ladder bucket truck, and it rained down chocolate Chanukah coins, Chanukah Gelt.  Then Rabbi Mendel Silberstein led the participants in songs including “Mao Tzur,” “Haneirot Halalu,” and “O Chanukah, O Chanukah.” 

“Tens of Jews in Mamaroneck came out to celebrate their Judaism and Chanukah in an open way,” Chabad Larchmont-Mamaroneck Rabbi Silberstein stated. “It is beautiful to see Jews come and celebrate proudly, and we send our love, our blessing, and good energy from here to our brothers and sisters in Israel.”