Community Corner

Tolland Menorah Lighting Marks First Night of Hanukkah

Residents from Tolland and the surrounding towns gathered at Tolland Green to celebrate the menorah lighting on Tuesday night.

It was a very chilly and dark night on Tuesday, but the residents gathered at Tolland Green celebrating the first night of Hanukkah at the menorah lighting brought warmth and light in abundance.

"A little light can dispel much darkness," said Rabbi Yosef Wolvovsky of the Chabad Jewish Center: East of the River, based in Glastonbury, which organized the event. "We are always able to transform that darkness into light."

The celebration included hot drinks, traditional music, dancing and latkes to commemorate the , in which the Jewish people fought religious persecution to retake and rededicate the Jerusalem Temple. Although there was only one jar of oil left to use in the temple, the lights continued to burn for eight days, leaving enough time to create a new oil supply. 

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Rabbi Wolvovsky said that the ceremony, which was open to participants of all faiths, was designed to bring holiday cheer and break down barriers to create new friendships. He encouraged the dozens of participants to take time and meet someone new at the gathering.

"I think people are looking for values and are realigning back to their traditions," he said. "I hope that we can be there to open doors."

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Rabbi Wolvovsky added that the menorah will be taken to communities throughout the region. The schedule is as follows:

Wednesday - Fountain Green in Glastonbury

Thursday - Ellington Arbor Park

Saturday - Middletown in Union Park

Sunday - Dinner at Chabad Center 5 p.m. in Glastonbury 

Monday -Colchester town green

For more information on the Chabad Center or this year's menorah lighting, visit the center's Web site.


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