VENTNOR – Although there was only enough sacred oil to light the menorah for just one night, the candles burned for eight days. That is the Jewish miracle honored Sunday on the first day of Hanukkah.
Members of the community gathered at the Ventnor Shul at sundown for the ninth annual menorah lighting.
Chabad at the Shore Rabbi Avrohom Rapoport addressed the crowd gathered outside the temple on Atlantic Avenue to assure them that the light coming from Ventnor’s menorah is enough bring peace to the world.
The menorah is a candelabra that has eight branches leading from a central branch called the shamish, which is the “helper” candle whose flame is used to light the others. Each branch represents one day of the eight days of Hanukkah, referred to as the Jewish Festival of Light.
Children of the Chabad at the Shore congregation took the stage to tell the story of the miracle of Hanukkah.
According to tradition, Hanukkah recalls the miracle experienced by the Maccabees of Israel, who defeated the powerful Syrian army and the religious persecution brought by Antiochus. The miracle they experienced allowed just one day’s worth of sacred oil needed to light the temple in Jerusalem last for eight days until new sacred oil could be provided.
“Each one of us has a spark, but when we come together the spark becomes a flame,” Rabbi Rapoport said.
Mayor Beth Holtzman provided the “tradition” favored by members of the Jewish faith by lighting the candle and welcoming the holiday.
Other dignitaries present included Commissioner Tim Kriebel and U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, who vowed to always support the State of Israel.
Children of the Shul and Ventnor Middle School sang songs that pleased the crowd. Later, everyone entered the temple to warm up partake of hot chocolate, oil fried latkes and jelly donuts.
On display were menorahs the children fashioned for the season, some made from pieces of pipe, cans of soda and others made from farm animals and oranges. The public had the opportunity to vote for their favorite menorah.
A highlight of the celebration was a first for the annual event. A Ventnor City firefighter climbed the aerial ladder extended high into the sky to drop dreidels attached to little parachutes and chocolate gelt for the children below.
