Chamber's Menorah Lighting Unites Town in Holiday Spirit

Cold, windy weather does nothing to dampen the holiday cheer in Merrick.

Click here for original article and photos by the Merrick Patch

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Rabbi Shimon Kramer, of the Chabad Center for Jewish Life, spoke of the significance of the event being held on the fifth night of Chanukah. 

"The fifth night of Chanukah represents a special theme," said Kramer, who had already helped light two menorahs earlier in the day. "Tonight is the only night of Chanukah where we begin having a majority of the candles lit, which represents the theme to have a majority of light and teaches us a great lesson. We all have the light within us; if we take that light and we bring it to the outside, we can illuminate and we can overcome the darkness around us."

Kramer added, "Although it is cold and windy as we stand here, yet it is still warm in our hearts."

Chamber president Margaret Mueller encouraged residents to shop locally this holiday season.

"Small business owners are the backbone of our community," she said, "and we love you and you love us."

Mueller also praised Ilene Dixel, a member of the Chamber's board of directors, who has organized the tree and menorah lightings for the past six years.

"She's done an amazing job," Mueller said of Dixel.  "She organizes everything from soup to nuts." 

Among the elected officials on hand Sunday evening were state Sen. Charles Fuschillo, R-Merrick, Assemblyman Dave McDonough, R-Merrick, county legislators Dave Denenberg, D-Merrick, and Norma Gonsalves, R-East Meadow, as well as Hempstead Town Councilwoman Angie Cullin, R-Freeport.