‘Adding light to the world’ with each candle
BY JENNIFER AMATO
Staff Writer

NORTH BRUNSWICK — The Chabad House of South and North Brunswick held a menorah lighting in front of the township municipal building on Monday to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.

“This is a wonderful tradition we have for residents. Elected officials come out and we celebrate this night of Hanukkah,” Rabbi Mendy Carlebach said.

The festival of lights commemorates the Jews’ return to their temple after a Greek invasion, and finding a supply of oil that should have lasted for one day having lasted for eight days and nights.

“The symbolism in adding [light] is that we always want to be adding light in our own private lives, in our personal lives, and adding light to the world around us. If everyone adds light, we will add to the light of the world,” the rabbi said.

He explained that light has no substance, and that if you strike a match it will illuminate an entire room.

“Each individual, no matter what his background is, where he came from or his religion, everyone has the power to illuminate,” Carlebach said. “Light is available to anyone who wants to open their eyes and see it.”

With several other clergymen in attendance for the ceremony, Mayor Francis “Mac” Womack addressed the handful of residents present by saying, “This has certainly turned into one of my favorite, favorite events of the year, one of my favorite events as mayor. … Tonight is a night I think we all can celebrate our community, one another, and our faiths and heritage.”

After a series of prayers and songs, resident Debbie Druker spoke about her role in lighting the candle every night, which was built by community member John D’Angelo a few years ago.

“We felt the need to have something next to the Nativity set. I like to think they’re together and this signifies our township, how we work together and live together,” she said.