MONTICELLO, NY — Rabbi Ben Zion Chanowitz of Landfield Avenue Synagogue officiated at the public Menorah lighting in front of the courthouse in Monticello on the first night of Chanukah. Village Mayor Doug Solomon and Trustees Carmen Rue, Larissa Bennett and Jill Weyer and her children were among the many spectators at this event.

The day concluded with a Chanukah dinner at the synagogue. In addition to each table lighting the menorah, enjoying a delicious meal and receiving Chanukah gelt (money) from the Rabbi, the diners sang Chanukah songs with a funny twist on the traditional words. Afterward, Lori Schneider recited her original, hilarious poem “How The Kvetch Stole Chanukah,” an adaptation of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” by Dr. Seuss.