Rabbi Mendy Hurwitz of Chabad of Yonkers/Greystone Jewish Center welcomed almost 100 people who came out despite the cold on Sunday, November 28 to witness the first candle of Chanukah being lit at the Ridge Hill Shopping Center.

The Yonkers Fire Department assisted, lending the use of their tower ladder to raise Rabbi Mendy to recite the blessings as Yonkers firefighter Donavan McKenzie lit the shamash, and Howard Spielman lit the first candle on the 18-foot-tall chanukiah. The tower ladder bucket again lifted McKenzie, Ridge Hill General Manager Meghann Hongach, Yonkers Councilwoman Tasha Diaz and Assembly Member Nader Sayegh to toss chocolate gelt to the crowd, followed by a generous distribution of sufganiyot and latkes, as the Mr. Shabbos band’s music led people in dancing and celebrating Chanukah.

Chanukah’s second-night party moved to Yonkers’ Cross County Shopping Center, where the WhatsUp band entertained until Rabbi Hurwitz welcomed Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, who lit the shamash, and former City Council President Chuck Lesnick, who lit both the first and second nights’ candles. All present, including those passing by and shopping, enjoyed doughnuts and hot latkes.

All are invited Sunday, December 5 at 4:15 p.m. to see a giant menorah lit with all eight Chanukah lights at Untermyer Park, 945 North Broadway.

Robert Kalfus can be reached at [email protected] or 917-379-4165.

By Robert Kalfus