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NEW CANAAN, Conn. The December chill on Tuesday evening couldnt beat the warmth and smiles at Gods Acre as Jewish families came together for the start of Hanukkah.
About 75 people gathered outside to celebrate the beginning of the Festival of Lights and the lighting of the first candle on the menorah. They sang Hanukkah songs while the light of the candles shined brightly.
Marty Reiss, one of the organizers of the Menorah lighting, said it was nice to see New Canaans Jewish population come out to celebrate the season together. The grandchildren of Alan and Martha Fleischer lit the first of the candles.
Its not a significant population of Jews, but were here. Were Jews living in town, and were celebrating, said Reiss. The whole goal is to get everybody together, have the kids enjoy themselves and learn about the holiday. And to keep the tradition alive.
Siblings Josephine and Dominic DeMarco enjoyed the events, including a puppet show telling the story of Hanukkah. Asked what she liked about the night, 6-year-old Josephine said everything, especially the Elmo puppets.
Their mother, Kathleen DeMarco, said it was great to have a ceremony to attend. Its wonderful, said Kathleen, whose husband, Dominic, is Jewish.
Ceremonies to light the rest of the menorah candles at Gods Acre will be held at 5 p.m. until the conclusion of the holiday Dec. 27.
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