Community Corner
Menorah Lights Shine Brightly in Syosset
Congregation Holds Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Astoria Bank.
A small group of families and children gathered outside of in Syosset Wednesday evening to hold a Menorah lighting ceremony.
Rabbi Jay Weinstein of Congregation on Split Rock Road led the short ceremony - a warming display of spirit on a frigid Syosset day.
The group has met to light the Menorah - a display owned and put together by the Syosset Chamber of Commerce - every night of Chanukah this year and last, when Rabbi Weinstein, a Chamber of Commerce member, volunteered to conduct the ceremonies in order to help share the prayers and songs of Chanukah with the greater Syosset community.
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The Rabbi and the small group of parents, children as well as Hebrew School teacher Fortuna Southworth and Administrator Jenn Weinstein gathered just before 4:00 p.m. inside the vestibule of the Astoria Bank in the Town of Syosset to get warm for a few minutes before the lighting ceremony. Handouts with the words to various prayers and songs were distributed and the group zippered up and stepped outside to surround the Menorah and begin the ceremony.
Rabbi Weinstein gave a short discussion about the importance of the candles and the lighting and proceeded to light the bulbs on the giant Menorah one by one.
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He then led the group in a chanting of the blessings, a few short Chanukah songs including "Rock of Ages", "Chanukah O Chanukah" and "The Dreidel Song". He concluded the ceremony with a few more words about the meaning and history of Chanukah.
"This Holiday is really about sharing," explained the Rabbi to his congregation.
Well, thanks to Weinstein and the , everyone who drives through the town of Syosset will be able to share in the beautiful sight of the completely lit up Menorah.
