Springfield's Public Menorah Lighting Set for Dec. 1.

*Editor's Note: This article has been amended to include comments made by Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael's senior rabbi Mark Mallach, who corrected information regarding the history of Springfield's public menorah lightings.

Springfielders can enjoy a public menorah lighting at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1 at 810 South Springfield Ave., at the corner of Hillside Avenue.

For years, some Springfield residents have expressed their desire to see a menorah included among holiday decorations displayed at Town Hall. The Town will host its annual holiday spectacular on Tuesday, Dec. 10. Check back with Patch for additional details. 

Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael's senior rabbi Mark Mallach, who has served as a spirtual leader within the community for the past 14 years, explained that public Hanukkiah lighting ceremonies have take place during his tenure.  

"At one time, a 6-foot wide and 8-foot tall Hanukkiah was donated to the Township," Mallach said. "It was then shared and rotated among the three congregations (Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael, Sha'arey Shalom and Congregation Israel) and lit with ceremony, publicly on each congregation's respective property. During the balance of the year, the Township graciously stored the Hanukkiah. Unfortunately, this ceased a few years ago when the Hanukkiah was badly damaged while being stored in a Township facility."

This year's event, hosted by the Jewish Learning Center, will include music, latkes, donuts and chocolate coins for all, according to the JLC's Facebook page. Free of charge, all are welcome to attend. 

For more information, contact the Jewish Learning Center (973) 218-6963 or email Mendy@ChabadUC.com