Westfield Mayor Mike McCabe lights the shamash on the fifth night of Hanukkah with Rabbi Shahar Colt and Councilor Cindy Harris.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
WESTFIELD — Members of the Westfield community joined together on Sunday, Dec. 29 for the Community Menorah Lighting at the Elm Street Plaza on the fifth night of Hanukkah.
Rabbi Shahar Colt led the attendees in a song that celebrated light and peace, the Congregation of Ahavas Achim in Westfield recited prayers, and Mayor Michael McCabe lit the shamash, the attendant candle used to kindle the other lights on the menorah.
Before the lighting of the menorah, Rabbi Colt said Hanukkah celebrates two victories against all odds. One is a victory in battle by the Maccabees. The other is the rededication of the Temple, when the leaders thought they had only enough oil for one night, and it lasted for eight days.
She said tradition preserves both stories, but the miracle of having a space against all odds and a little bit of oil lasting is the one that speaks to many. She then led the congregation in a song based on scripture, “Not by might, not by power, but by my spirit alone, shall we all live in peace.”
Also in attendance at the ceremony were state Sen. John Velis (D-Westfield), state Rep. Kelly Pease (R-Westfield), and Councilors Cindy Harris and Bridget Matthews-Kane.
A Hanukkah party at the First United Methodist Church followed, complete with latkes made by members of the congregation, soft drinks and games of dreidel.
