The festival of lights

Christina Daly/Herald

Christina Daly/Herald

Councilman Scott Mandell, left, lit the first candle of the menorah.

Photos Courtesy the City of Long Beach

Soloist Jacob LoCascio led his fellow Hebrew school students in singing Hanukkah songs at Sunday’s ceremony.

Photos Courtesy the City of Long Beach

Turnout was at an all-time high for this year's menorah lighting.

Courtesy the City of Long Beach

Rabi Goodman addressed the assembled crowd at this Sunday's ceremony.

Courtesy the City of Long Beach

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There was a record-breaking turnout for this year’s menorah lighting ceremony as more than 500 residents crowded Kennedy Plaza on Sunday to mark the first night of Hanukkah.

Rabbi Eli Goodman of the BACH Jewish Center gave those assembled a message of strength and said that in the end, light is stronger than darkness and good will prevail over terror and evil.

Assemblyman Todd Kaminsky and City Council President Len Torres also spoke, and Neil Vogel, president of Temple Emanu-El, led a moment of silence for the victims of last week’s attack in San Bernadino, Calif.

Local Hebrew schools performed together with their principals, Temple Emanu-El and Temple Israel were led by Cantor Lisa Klinger-Kantor, Lido Beach Synagogue by Mel Isaacs, Temple Zion Talmud Torah by Rabbi Danny Vinick and Beila Goodman led the BACH’s Jewish Discovery Program. The songs were enhanced by soloist Jacob LoCascio, a local 5th grader.

High school student Syndey Brett-Lieblin, of Lido Beach, was chosen to start the initial flame for the menorah this year, which was then used by Councilman Scott Mandel to light the largest menorah on Long Island. Brett-Liebin was recently recognized by the White House for her many hours of volunteering throughout the community.