On the sixth night of Chanukah, 350 people gathered at Livingston Town Center for an evening filled with light, music and celebration. The Livingston community menorah lighting brought together individuals of all ages to honor the holiday and its timeless themes of unity and resilience.
The menorah lighting served as the heart of the evening, symbolizing hope and perseverance. This year, the event carried even greater significance, as memories of the events of October 7 weighed heavily on many attendees, with 100 hostages still being held in Gaza and many soldiers still on the front lines. Despite these challenges, the community found solace and strength in their shared traditions.
Lev Kruglyakov reflected on the evening’s importance, sharing, “It was important for me because, at a time when it seemed everything was against the Jews last year, it was amazing to see the unity, joy and resilience of Jewish people at this Chanukah celebration in Livingston Town Center. Just as the Maccabees triumphed thousands of years ago, Jews will be victorious once again in the face of adversity!”
Adding to the vibrant energy of the night, DJ Farbreng from Thank You Hashem played lively music, inspiring the crowd to dance and sing along. Shaina Baron of Livingston summed up the evening perfectly, saying, “It was a wonderful night, uniting in Livingston to brighten the darkness with the menorah lighting and the incredible energy from DJ Farbreng!” The upbeat atmosphere was a powerful reminder of the joy that comes from celebrating together, even during difficult times.
No Chanukah celebration would be complete without festive treats, and this event didn’t disappoint. Attendees enjoyed jelly doughnuts, generously sponsored by The West Orange Fooderie, and chocolate gelt, which delighted children and adults alike. These sweet indulgences added an extra touch of joy to the already memorable evening.
The event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of several organizations, including the Synagogue of the Suburban Torah Center, Etz Chaim of Livingston, Chabad of Short Hills, AISH and Friendship Circle. Generous contributions from community members helped sponsor the music and handouts, enhancing the celebration for all who attended.
The Livingston community menorah lighting was more than just a symbolic act of lighting candles—it was a celebration of togetherness, perseverance and the enduring values of Chanukah. As the menorah’s flames illuminated the night sky, they reflected the strength, pride and shared joy of a community determined to spread light in even the darkest of times.
