Community Corner

Farmington Residents Join Rabbi in Lighting Menorah

Small crowd gathers to celebrate Hanukkah on Farmington town green.

Rabbi Mendel Samuels of Chabad of the Farmington Valley brought the grand menorah to the Farmington town green in celebration of Hanukkah for the fourth year in a row.

He was joined by about 20 local residents Monday night who came together to share the hopeful story of the miracle of Hanukkah.

Samuels lit the large menorah as he explained its significance.

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“A small band of people, when it seemed there was nothing left, was able to persevere. People said it was impossible and they made it happen. The miracle of Hanukkah is that when they went into the temple there was only enough oil for one day but it lasted for eight,” Samuels said.

“Hanukkah teaches us that though it’s dark, a little light is powerful and can dispel the darkness… We sometimes say there’s no such thing as darkness there’s only the absence of light. But we bring a message of hope and peace to the world by lighting the menorah.”

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Town Manager Kathy Eagen and Town Council member CJ Thomas joined the celebration on behalf of the town.

Thomas thanked Samuels for bringing the public celebration of Hanukkah to Farmington.

“This is what a small town is all about – celebrating wonderful occasions like this together,” Thomas said.

Samuels reflected that he had seen a tremendous amount of light in the form of compassionate acts following Hurricane Sandy.

“Sometimes an act of kindness seems small but a little light makes a difference to the whole world,” he said.


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