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Celebrating Hannukah at Millbrook's Thorne Building

Celebrating Hannukah at Millbrook's Thorne Building

Max Marsal, left, and his brother Liam volunteered to light one of the candles for the menorah together at the urging of their mother.

Photo by Nathan Miller

MILLBROOK — A crowd of about 40 people came together to pray and sing around the large menorah in the front yard of the Thorne Community Building on Franklin Avenue in the Village of Millbrook on Sunday, Dec. 21, for a menorah lighting ceremony.

Rabbi Mendy Mochkin of Chabad of Amenia led the lighting and prayers, continuing a tradition he said has been ongoing in Millbrook for years.

Mochkin's address to the gathered crowd called for brotherhood and peace in the wake of a fatal shooting during a Hannukah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, killed 15 people and injured dozens more.

"I know the rabbi who — God forbid — unfortunately lost his life, Rabbi Schlenger," Mochkin said. "And a cousin of mine is fighting for his life. He's in the hospital now."

Following the touching tribute to Bondi Beach victims and the lighting of the menorah, the crowd shuffled down Franklin Avenue to Babette's where hot drinks and snacks were offered.

Rabbi Mindy Mochkin, right, holds the shamash candle, or the middle candle on the menorah that is traditionally used to light the other eight candles, while Sergeant Michael Rahilly, left, lights it.

Photo by Nathan Miller

Ali Marsal, center, and her sons Max, left, and Liam huddle together to fight the frigid temps.

Photo by Nathan Miller

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