(Courtesy of JLE) The JLE (Jewish Learning Experience of Bergen County) celebrated Chanukah in festive style with their annual Chanukah party in Teaneck on Sunday, December 25. Families, singles and retirees came out to enjoy the final night of the holiday together in a myriad of entertaining ways. Guests circulated between stations, participating in sufganiyot filling and decorating, clay dreidel making and candle making, while taking breaks for live music with singing and dancing, enjoying a dairy dinner buffet, lighting the menorah, playing Chanukah trivia and showing off their ugliest holiday sweaters. Party attendees of all ages left with souvenirs to show how they spent their final evening of the Festival of Lights. Additionally, all children left with party bags filled with candy and favors.

The annual JLE Chanukah party has been a staple of the organization for years, having only missed the event in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was the first year that new JLE director Rabbi Jesse Shore ran the event since he assumed his post this past August. Rabbi Jesse brings a surprise talent to the organization with his mastery of singing and guitar playing to make events even more joyful. Dr. Richard Seaman of Jewbilation came in from Manhattan to play the keyboard and sing parodies of famous songs re-tooled with words to fit the occasion.