WOODSTOCK — The eighth and final night of Hanukkah–the Festival of Lights–was celebrated on the village green in Woodstock with messages of resilience, unity and hope amid a year of global and local turmoil.
Rabbi Mendy Karczag of the Chabad of Woodstock told the crowd that the joyous festivities come during a period of deep pain for Jewish communities worldwide. Rabbi Karczag referenced the recent murder of 15 during a Hanukkah event in Australia.
“At the same time, as Jews, the way we react to darkness is by reacting with more light and more goodness,” the Rabbi said.
“It’s more important than ever to bring light to the world,” Rabbi Karczag told several dozen attendees who faced freezing temperatures as the sun went down.
Rabbi Mendy Karczag said the menorah’s message is one of steady, intentional action, explaining that the tradition of adding a candle each night carries a moral lesson beyond the holiday itself. “The message of the menorah is that we start with one candle, and every night we add another candle,” he said. “It’s not enough that we did a mitzvah yesterday. We have to do another mitzvah today,” Karczag said.
At the Rabbi’s request, Woodstock Police Chief Clayton Keefe assisted in the ceremony by lighting the shamash — the helper candle used to kindle the others. The police chief’s participation symbolized what organizers described as a partnership between faith, community and public safety.
The rabbi also thanked Ulster County Sheriff’s Department and the New York State Police for their visible presence at the event–calling it an important reassurance for the community.
The celebration coincided on the same day as the Winter Solstice that occurred at 10:30 a.m. Following the menorah lighting, attendees sang traditional Hanukkah songs, shared reflections on peace and solidarity, and were encouraged to continue the observance at home. We have to fill the world with goodness and kindness,” Rabbi Karczag said.
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