Embracing the Light of Hanukkah

Calling it a rededication, the Ocean County Board of Commissioners joined with County residents, local officials and friends from the Jewish Community to celebrate the Festival of Lights during Ocean County’s annual Menorah Lighting celebration held Dec. 26 at the Ocean County Administration Building, Hooper Avenue, Toms River. “It’s during Hanukkah that we are reminded that miracles exist,” said Deputy Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Gary Quinn, who spoke during the lighting. “That the strength in our faith and our beliefs brings us out of darkness and shines a light on us, reminds us of all the good that is around us.”  Quinn was joined by his colleagues Commissioners Virginia E. Haines and Frank Sadeghi, Director of the Board of Commissioners Barbara Jo Crea, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer, Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy, State Senator Carmen Amato, State Assemblyman Greg Myhre and a host of Ocean County government staff members. Michael Waldner, a leader with the Toms River Jewish Community Council led the ceremony. Sam Ellenbogen, also of the Toms River Jewish Community Council, helped light the two candles of the Menorah as the County entered the second night of the Festival of Lights. The holiday reaffirms the ideals of Judaism and commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem. It is celebrated over eight days with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games and gifts. This year, Hanukkah began on the evening of Dec. 25 and ends on the evening of Jan. 2.