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Menorah Lights Up Beach 116th Street


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Photos by Anna Spivak

The first night of Hanukkah was a smashing success on Beach 116th Street as the Rockaway Civic Association gathered local business owners and residents to light the menorah on Tuesday, Dec. 12.

Along with doughnuts and coffee to keep the winter chill out, the traditional Hanukkah songs and cheery disposition of the crowd warmed all in attendance.

Before celebrations began, Rabbi Marjorie Slome of West End Temple took a moment to honor the late Noni Signoretti, the beloved local resident in whose memory the menorah is dedicated.

“I want us to take a moment to think about Noni Signoretti,” said Slome. “This [menorah] is dedicated in her memory and she was unofficially the mayor of Beach 116th Street. She gave so much to this community and she made sure that this menorah was here. She is truly missed by everyone here in Rockaway so we think about her memory and think of her fondly, we miss her terribly.”

Rabbi Jacob Malki, the new Rabbi at Temple Beth-El, also spoke to the crowd – emphasizing the importance of hope during Hanukkah.

“If you have $10, after spending $1, how much will you have?” the Rabbi asked the crowd.

“$9!,” the children in attendance yelled back.

“And the second day you spend another dollar, how much will you have?” Malki asked.

“$8!,” the crowd yelled.

“So how is it possible, [in the story of Hanukkah] we had a little amount of oil and we started with one instead of eight and increased [the amount] instead of decreasing? It doesn’t make sense, but I’ll tell you the secret…” Malki continued. “The Rabbi of the town said, ‘we want to increase in light, which is a symbol of hope, of enlightenment, of openness’ – and so our light and hope we increased, and did not decrease. In spite of the logic, we always want to increase and not decrease. Happy Hanukkah and a happy holiday season to you!”

Once the menorah was lit, Rockaway Beach Boulevard and Beach 116th Street was alive with the sound of community – children dancing, parents singing and spectators stopping by to join in.

Officers from the 100th Precinct were on hand to keep everyone safe and local politicians, Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato and Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr., made appearances as well.

Happy Hanukkah Rockaway!

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