County celebrates Hanukkah with public menorah lighting

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HUDSON—Columbia County’s public menorah lighting Sunday, December 29 was a vibrant and memorable celebration, marking the community’s enduring Jewish pride and the spirit of Hanukkah, according to a press release. The event, hosted by Chabad of Columbia County, took place in Hudson Public Square (Seventh Street Park) with a ceremony and the lighting of a 12-foot menorah.

The celebration was attended by notable dignitaries, including Columbia County Sheriff Donald Krapf, Columbia County Judge Brian Herman, and Hudson Police Chief Mishanda Franklin.

The highlight of the celebration was the lighting of the grand menorah, which was illuminated from the top of an extended fire ladder. In a fun and festive moment for the children, a “Gelt Drop” followed, where traditional Hanukkah chocolate coins were released from the firetruck ladder for eager hands to catch.

The evening concluded with a Holographic Hanukkah Light Show, a dazzling display of lights that symbolized the miracle of Hanukkah in the most modern and innovative way.

Rabbi Mendel Kremer, director of Chabad of Columbia County, reflected on the significance of the event in a press release, saying, “This Hanukkah, we gathered to celebrate not only the holiday’s miracles but also the strength and resilience of our community.”

The celebration was part of Chabad’s global Hanukkah campaign, which this year marks the 50th anniversary of the first public menorah lighting in 1974. Columbia County’s menorah joined over 15,000 public menorahs placed around the world, continuing the legacy of promoting Jewish pride and celebrating the victory of light over darkness.


Rabbi Mendel Kremer addressed those gathered while (l-r) Columbia County Sheriff Donald Krapf, Hudson Police Chief Mishanda Franklin and Columbia County Judge Brian Herman looked on./Photo contributed
The grand menorah was lit from the top of an extended fire ladder./Photo contributed
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