Fanwood Community Gathers for Lighting of Menorah

(Fanwood, NJ) – Residents were joined by Mayor Colleen Mahr and Councilman Jeff Banks Monday night for the ceremonial lighting of the giant Menorah to celebrate Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. The lighting ceremony was proceeded by a procession of cars with lighted Menorahs on top through Scotch Plains, Westfield, and Fanwood, led by a Police escort.

“We wanted to come here tonight in solidarity to celebrate with you, but also to recognize the terrible tragedy and terror that hit the Australia beaches and to stand here with unity, respect and love as well as we light the (Menorah) candles,” Mayor Colleen Mahr said. “This Menorah here on this ground is a testament to the diversity of our community.” She said the community all believes in the same things namely “kindness, love, compassion, and family.”

Mayor Colleen Mahr makes comments at Monday’s Menorah Lighting Ceremony at the Northside Train Station.

Rabbi Avrohom Blesofsky of The Chabad of Union County officiated the ceremony at the North Avenue side of the Fanwood Train Station, where the Menorah stands.

“Typically it (the Menorah lighting) is a public event, but it is very personal for a lot of us this year,” Rabbi Blesofsky said. “Our identity is not from whatever happens externally. Our identity has a lot to do with who we are based on our heritage and based on our values system and the Torah…And I beg us not to fall victim to victim mentality, but to lean into who we are and our value system (and) into our heritage.”

Rabbi Avrohom Blesofsky speaks to the crowd at Monday’s Menorah Lighting Ceremony at the Northside Train Station.

He then led the crowd in a blessing and singing traditional Hanukkah Lights songs.

Donuts, a traditional Hanukkah treat, were served afterwards.

Rabbi Avrohom Blesofsky places the candles in the Menorah as Mayor Colleen Mahr and Councilman Jeff Banks look on looks at Monday’s Menorah Lighting Ceremony at the Northside Train Station.