Mayor hosts annual menorah lighting downtown

New York City's annual Hanukah menorah-lighting ceremony, hosted by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, was held Monday night in the Surrogate Courthouse Atrium in Lower Manhattan.   The celebration of Hanukah, the Festival of Lights, commemorates the victory of the Jewish people over religious oppression in the time of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

"Hanukah is a holiday filled with traditions that center on family togetherness … but it is also an ageless story of perseverance, faith and strength," said Mayor Bloomberg.  "It reminds us of the strength that comes with unity and faith," he said, a message particularly poignant for the people of New York as the rebuilding process continues in Lower Manhattan.

Religious leaders, City officials and a seven-year-old yeshiva student joined the Mayor in lighting the menorah's candles, after which the Hollis Hills Jewish Center Choir led the singing of Maoz Tzur, traditionally sung after the candle lighting. 

In a reception following the ceremonial lighting, the Odessa Klezmer Band provided complimentary musical entertainment, Gelt (small chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil) and dreidels were handed out and traditional holiday food -- including mini latkas, mini jelly donuts and dreidel-shaped cookies -- were served.