Hanukkah greeting from the Elmont Jewish Center

In the second century BCE, the Holy Land was ruled by the Syrian-Greeks who tried to force the Jewish people to accept their culture and beliefs instead of mitzvah observance and belief in G‑d. Against all odds, a small band of faithful but poorly armed Jews, led by Judah the Maccabee, defeated one of the mightiest armies on earth, drove the Greeks from the land, reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and rededicated it to the service of G‑d.

When they sought to light the Menorah they found only a single jug of olive oil that had escaped contamination by the Greeks. Miraculously, they lit the menorah and the one-day supply of oil lasted for eight days, until new oil could be prepared under conditions of ritual purity.

To commemorate and publicize these miracles, the sages instituted the festival of Chanukah where we will light the Menorah each night beginning Thursday night Dec. 7 for eight nights and many other beautiful customs.

Now, especially in a time when Israel needs our support and Anti-Semitism is at a dangerous level, we need to show our Jewish pride. 

Please join us for the traditional lighting of the Menorah on Dec. 10 at 5 p.m. at the Elmont Jewish Center located at 500 Elmont Road, Elmont, NY.

Our festive annual Chanukah party afterwards will be held at 119-19 230^th Street, Cambria Heights, NY, 11411. Enjoy the music, dancing, traditional Chanukah latkes, a delicious hot food buffet, Sufganiyot (jelly donuts) and more.

We look forward to celebrating with you and invite you to invite your friends, relatives and neighbors. Please RSVP (718) 404-7822.

Rabbi Chaim Blachman & Mrs. Blachman

Elmont Jewish Center