On Thursday, Dec. 21, Town of Oyster Bay's Chabad, which is located in Woodbury, hosted a Grand Chanukah Live celebration. Just outside of the Plainview Shopping center was an 18-foot menorah, which 1,500 local residents gathered around to watch the menorah be lit for he first night of the Jewish holiday.

The aroma of latkes was in the air as people danced to the music that blared throughout the crowd. The program began with the Chabad Hebrew School Choir singing several traditional Chanukah songs. After a great performance, Rabbi Shmuel Lipszyc, executive director of Chabad, bestowed the honor of kindling the Chanukah menorah to the many dignitaries who came to participate in this momentous occasion. State Assemblyman David Sidikman and Town Supervisor John Venditto both participated and highly praised the event.

With the candles twinkling to all, people gathered to enjoy the home baked, piping hot latkes, jelly doughnuts and sweet chocolate Chanukah gelt. Getting caught up in the holiday feeling, people spontaneously joined hands and broke out into joyous dance. The children were all waiting expectantly to hear the outcome of the Grand Prize in the raffle of the evening. Congratulations to Bobby Goldstein on winning the brand new scooter. Entertainer Jeff Miller kept the audience spellbound with his magic tricks and fun balloon art.