(Courtesy of Lubavitch on the Palisades) Lubavitch on the Palisades of Tenafly was privileged to light the menorah in five New Jersey towns this Chanukah, celebrating the supernatural connection Hashem has with the Jewish people and that the Jewish people have with Him, and sharing the message of light, hope and unity with the world.

The first candle was lit in Alpine. IDF soldiers put their lives on the line for the safety and security of Am Yisrael. An IDF soldier, Nitai Cohen, lit the menorah on the second night in Cresskill. The joy and unity of the community was palpable.

In a beautiful display of unity, the town of Demarest came out to light the menorah on the fifth night. They heard the story of Chanukah shared by two college students of the community and lit the menorah with the Demarest mayor and council members.

In a further show of support, over 700 people gathered at Lubavitch on the Palisades to light candles on the fifth night of Chanukah in a gathering, “Candles of Light,” marking Edan Alexander’s 21st birthday and to pray for the safe return of Edan and the other hostages. The gathering was organized by Lubavitch on the Palisades, Israeli American Council (IAC) and Chabad of Closter.

Together with the Alexander family, the menorah was lit in Tenafly on the sixth night, sending the strength of everyone’s love, unity, prayers and trust in Hashem to Edan ben Yael and all the other hostages.

Dancing and singing filled the night as the seventh was lit in a beautiful menorah lighting in Englewood Cliffs on Tuesday, Dec. 31.