Menorah lighting planned in Jefferson

LAKE HOPATCONG — Jefferson Township will host a menorah lighting to celebrate the season of Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 7, on the grounds of the Municipal Complex at 1033 Weldon Road.

There will be holiday music, a special Hanukkah reading, guest speakers, and traditional holiday foods and refreshments to follow in the Municipal Building’s Lobby.

The eight-day festival of lights is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and is observed by the kindling of the lights of a special candelabrum, the nine-branched Menorah or Hanukiah, one light on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night. An extra light called a shamash (guard or servant in Hebrew) is also lit each night for the purpose of lighting the others, and is given a distinct location, usually above or below the rest.

Attendees are encouraged to make a donation to the Jefferson Township pantries of non-perishable food items, paper, and/or toiletries.

For further information on this event call the Recreation Department at 973-663-8404 option 4 or log on to www.jeffersontownship.net.