A large crowd gathered at Beth Menachem Chabad to usher in the first night of Chanukah. Dignitaries present for the lighting of the Menorah included, Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, Newton Police Chief, John Carmichael Jr., State Representative, Kay Kahn, Newton Police Lieutenant, Amanda Henrickson, Newton Police Officer, Justin Lau and Susan Paley from the Village Bank. The Mayor was honored with lighting the Shamash candle and recently retired Newton Police Lieutenant, Bruce Apotheker, was honored with lighting the first candle. The celebration then moved inside with joyous music, holiday treats, food and drinks, together with Chanukah themed art activities for the children.
CTeen got together before Purim to bake Hamantashen and pack the packages for the Purim Gift Project.
Matisyahu shared his fascinating story of how he grew up in York, PA where he attended Catholic school through his senior year of high school. He also went to church for the first eighteen years of his life, where he was an altar boy and sang in the choir. After a long journey he discovered his Jewish roots.