Monday evening might have been the sixth night of Hanukkah, but if felt just as festive as if it were the very first night all over again. With children enjoying potato latkes, jelly donuts and chocolate, and revelers–even town officials–dancing rousing versions of the Hora on the Village Town Green, Wilton celebrated the Jewish ‘Festival of Lights’ with one of the largest crowds in recent memory. [see photos and video, below]
More than 100 people gathered at 5:30 p.m. on Monday to join together to light the menorah, with a candle lighting organized by the Schneerson Center of Westport. Rabbi Levi Stone greeted the crowd and introduced First Selectman Bill Brennan, Second Selectman Hal Clark and State Representative Gail Lavielle, thanking them for taking part in the ceremony.
The lighting went ahead as scheduled, despite damage to the menorah that occurred earlier last week. Wilton Police said they weren’t ruling out wind damage but that they were considering the cause to likely have been ‘criminal mischief.’ Rabbi Stone improvised repairs with duct tape, so that the lighting could proceed. Sadly, he said the menorah will likely need to be replaced next year.
The events didn’t dampen spirits, however, as the Rabbi led the children on chants of “Happy Hanukkah!” and handed out dollar bills as traditional gifts called ‘gelt.’
“This is such a happy occasion and it’s so great to see so many people coming out tonight to light the menorah,” said Rep. Lavielle. “Since we started, it’s grown and grown, and it’s just wonderful to have a celebration like this in the center of Wilton.”
Second selectman Clark echoed the sentiments. “It’s always fun, I think it’s my sixth year doing it. It’s wonderful in Wilton we have such diversity, and that we get to enjoy everybody’s traditions.”
