Kids Enjoy ‘Chanukah in Outer Space’ with ‘Moon-orah’

Ushering in the first night of Chanukah, more than 250 people filled Colonial Lanes in Chester for “Chanukah in Outer Space,” hosted by Chabad of Orange County, for a party that was “out of this world!” The highlights were cosmic bowling and dreidel games, buffet dinner, crafts, grand menorah lighting ceremony with an “Outer Space Moon-orah”, a fabulous Hebrew School choir and an awesome fire and glow show!

Several elected officials attended the Menorah Lighting Ceremony, including: Orange County Executive Ed Diana, Goshen Mayor Kyle Roddey and Judge Carol Klein.

“The Jewish people are compared to the moon,” Rabbi Pesach Burston began the Menorah Lighting Ceremony, and pointed out the “Outer Space Menorah” which was designed as planets as well as the moon’s phases, “at times the moon appears to be a mere sliver. However, just when it seems to disappear, it suddenly emerges from apparent oblivion, growing larger and brighter. Similarly, the Jewish people have, at times, been seemingly reduced to a virtual nonentity. Yet the spark is always alive. The message of Chanukah and every new moon is: Despite all odds we grow stronger and brighter.”

Following the lighting, Chabad Hebrew School, which has more than 80 students, inspired celebrants with Chanukah songs, decked in glowing menorahs and glasses.

The party concluded with a Fire & Glow show – and hopes that the spirit of Chanukah shine year round.