Chanukah opens with Deptford Mall event

DEPTFORD TWP. — In what has become a yearly tradition, the start of the Chanukah holiday was celebrated Wednesday evening at the Deptford Mall. The event, sponsored jointly by the Chabad Jewish Center and the Mall, featured crafts for the children, a real live Judah the Maccabee, delicious Chanukah foods, and a giant Menorah lit by state Sen. Fred Madden.

Chanukah is celebrated to commemorate the miraculous victory of a small group of Maccabis over the mighty Syrian-Greek army that was trying to force its Hellenistic culture upon them, in the 2nd century BCE.

“The menorah represents the idea that even a tiny bit of light can dispel a tremendous amount of darkness. This is not just about an ancient story, but has relevance in our daily lives and the world around us,” said Rabbi Avi Richler, director of the Chabad Jewish Center. “Just as we light an additional candle every night, so to must we always strive to increase in our acts of goodness and kindness.”

“This has been a tremendous experience for me,” said Madden after lighting the giant 12-foot Menorah. “I have learned so much about the Jewish culture and this holiday, by experiencing it together with the Jewish community.