On the sixth night of Chanukah, Dec. 21, Cong. Beth El of Rutherford hosted the first-ever public menorah lighting in southern Bergen County. Joined by Rutherford Councilmen O’Conner and Menza, Police Chief Russo, and Assistant Fire Chief Kelsie, the officials were honored with lighting a torch that was used to light the menorah. Others honored were Dr. Anne Prisco, president of Felician College, and Mr. Sabet Behar, a third-generation member of the shul.

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed latkes and donuts at an exhibit of ancient coins from the First and Second Temple periods presented by Mr. Harvey Herbert, the largest collector in America of inscriptions from the First Temple period. The coins are normally kept at the Brooklyn Museum and the Living Torah Museum in Brooklyn, NY.

By Bina Lerman