By Michael P. Walsh
Special to the Voice
Rabbi Schneur Wilhelm of Chabad of Milford-Hebrew Congregation of Woodmont was joined on the West Haven Green by Mayor Dorinda Borer to celebrate the fifth night of Hanukkah on Dec. 11.
Wilhelm led an assembly of West Haven leaders and residents in a blessing before lighting the menorah with Borer on the Main Street side of the downtown park.
The lighting marked the fifth night of the Jewish Festival of Lights, an eight-day commemoration of rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees after their victory over the Syrians.
The lighting took place on the fifth night of Hanukkah because of a scheduling conflict with the rabbi.
The annual ceremony featured welcoming remarks by Borer and spirited singalongs led by keyboardist Richard Gans, including “I Have a Little Dreidel,” the popular children’s Hanukkah song.
Wilhelm’s children Chaya, 16, and Sholom, 6, gave out jelly doughnuts, also known as sufganiyot, and ArtsWestCT President Elinor Slomba gave out chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil, also known as gelt.
Dalia Coleman, of Woodbridge, participated in the hourlong festivity for the second straight year, calling West Haven a “hidden jewel.”
“The people are the nicest,” Coleman said.
Other attendees included Borer’s administrative leader, Deborah Collins; city Human Resources Commissioner Beth A. Sabo; City Clerk John W. Lewis; former City Clerk Patricia C. Horvath; and City Council members Michelle Coletti (D-2), Gary Donovan (D-4), and Brian Laucks (D-at large).