Fanwood residents and Councilwoman Patricia Walsh turned out Monday night for the ceremonial lighting of a giant Menorah to celebrate Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. The lighting ceremony was proceeded by a procession of cars with Menorahs on top through Scotch Plains. Westfield and Fanwood, led by a Police escort.

KRabbi Avrohom Blesofsky and his family, Councilwoman Patricia Walsh, Bruce Zakarin and Fanwood Rescue Squad members at Monday’s Menorah Lighting Ceremony at the Northside Train Station.
Bruce Zakarin lights the sixth candle of the Menorah as Rabbi Avrohom Blesofsky looks on at Monday’s Menorah Lighting Ceremony at the Northside Train Station.
Councilwoman Patricia Walsh makes comments at Monday’s Menorah Lighting Ceremony at the Northside Train Station.
Families gather at Monday’s Menorah Lighting Ceremony at the Northside Train Station.
Attendees visit the refreshments table.
Donuts, a traditional Hanukkah treat, were served at the Menorah Lighting Ceremony.
Rabbi Avrohom Blesofsky speaks to the crowd as Bruce Zakarin looks on at Monday’s Menorah Lighting Ceremony at the Northside Train Station.

Rabbi Avrohom Blesofsky of The Chabad of Union County officiated while injecting energy into the small gathering at the North Avenue side of the Fanwood Train Station, where the Menorah stands. Rabbi Blesofsky was assisted in lighting of the candles by Fanwood resident Bruce Zakarin. Six of eight Menorah candles were lit as of Monday night.

“There is an incredible message (in Hanukkah) in that a little bit of oil went very far. A little bit of positive influence, a little bit of connection, a little bit of light in a child’s life will go very, very far,” Rabbi Blesofsky said in explaining that Hanukkah is a “time of education.” He then led the crowd in a blessing and singing traditional Hanukkah Lights songs.

Donuts, a traditional Hanukkah treat, were served afterwards.