THE LIGHTING OF THE FIRST HANUKAH CANDLE AT THE STATEN ISLAND MALL, DEC. 9, 2001*

The Staten Island Mall grew a little brighter with the lighting of a menorah to commemorate the first night of Hanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights.

The holiday is one of the more secular celebrations in Judaism. While other holy days often pass under the noses of many non-Jews, Hanukah is often loudly announced in public displays of festive music, hand-clapping and fun. Menorahs inside Jewish homes are supposed to be facing the windows for the world to see.

It is the main reason why the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island choose to begin the holiday in a major venue like the Staten Island Mall, said Bracha Cabot, the organization's executive director.

"It's a universal celebration to come out to the world and send a message that the evil forces will not always oppress," Mrs. Cabot said. "Justice will eventually prevail."

A large crowd gathered in front of the lower-level entrance to Macy's, where the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island has traditionally initiated the holiday, to watch the 21st annual lighting and performances by student groups from local Jewish schools.

Entertainment was provided by students from Congregation Aviv Hadash, of New Springville; the Torah Tots Academy, Meiers Corners; Jewish Community Center Beit Hasimcha Nursery School, Tompkinsville; and Arden Heights Boulevard Jewish Center.

Jonathan Weissman, a one-man-band keyboard player, rounded out the evening with traditional Jewish songs, while children scrambled for toy dreidles and balloon creatures from balloon artist Yaron Halevi.

*Text excerpted from David Andreatta's article in The Staten Island Advance, Dec. 10, 2001

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