Valley Chabad and the Borough of River Vale will hold their annual community menorah lighting at the River Vale Community Center on Monday, December 7, at 6:30pm. The annual Chanukah event for all ages is attended by the mayor and other elected officials and is open to the entire community.

Immediately following the outdoor lighting, guests will gather in the community center to enjoy traditional latkes, doughnuts, hot coffee, music, as well as crafts and prizes for the children.

This year the lighting takes on special meaning as it is dedicated in memory of Elizabeth Lewison, a young mother and River Vale resident who lost her battle to cancer in October. Her children Bridget and Grant will be lighting the menorah this year in her memory.

Elizabeth Lewison was a fabulous mother, loving wife and great friend to many. The legacy she leaves behind is that of a community builder. Since her passing, many friends have supported her family because of the impact she had on their lives.

She was often the first person to spot and welcome new residents to our River Vale community. She loved meeting and getting to know new people, especially those who moved here from far away. She loved hearing about different faraway places and getting to know people’s family stories.

She was very proud of her Jewish heritage and a proud parent at Valley Chabad’s Hebrew School. She always shared the holidays with her family as well as welcoming people from other faiths to join in on the celebration.

Valley Chabad will host four additional public menorah lightings in Woodcliff Lake, Allendale, Westwood, Tice’s Corner Mall, as well as events for children, teens, adults and seniors. Visit Valleychabad.org/Chanukah or call 201 476 0157 for details.