Story by Alison Rooney

The children’s room at Butterfield Library was abuzz on Sunday (Nov. 21) with youngsters getting in the spirit of the upcoming Chanukah festivities through various holiday-related activities.  The kids replicated menorahs in the form of mosaics, did some coloring of Chanukah themes, and learned how to make Chanukah candles by dipping the wick into hot wax. The program was presented by Chabad of Putnam, a Carmel-based group which provides educational programs for the Jewish community in Putnam County and runs a Sunday morning Hebrew School.
       After the craft-making the kids were treated to an interactive telling of the Chanukah story by Michal Korer, complete with puppets and challah bread.  The story was introduced to the children by asking these not too difficult to answer questions:  

Children listen to the story of Chanukah (Photo by Michal Korer)
  • Do you like games and presents?  
  • Do you like chocolate coins?
  • Do you like potato latkes?
  • Do you like to light your menorah?
     

With a 100 percent “yes” response to the above, it was easy to convince the children to listen to the tale of “We get to do all those special things on Chanukah – – let’s find out why.”
       Rabbi Avi Korer, of Chabad, is looking to present more programs “on this side of the county.  We’re happy to meet new people and get to know the community.”  The word Chabad is a Hebrew acronym for wisdom, understanding and knowledge. Their website states that “The Chabad Center of Putnam was established in the beginning of 2007 to respond to the

Little girl working on mosaic (Photo by Michal Korer)

growing needs of the Jewish Community of Putnam County. The community itself numbers several thousand persons, and with many hundreds of Jewish families in many of the surrounding towns it has become a vibrant and strong Jewish Community.  The Chabad Center of Putnam is a traditional Jewish organization with a unique and exciting approach to Judaism. At Chabad there are no labels of Orthodox, Conservative or Reform. Everyone is family.”
       Chabad of Putnam are especially eager to engage young people. They have been presenting this Chanukah program at various area libraries, all over Putnam County, including Garrison, and will present it at the Putnam Valley Library this Sunday, Nov. 28th, at 3:45 p.m. The program is free, but an RSVP should be made to (845) 225-4770.
       Chabad will also conduct a Menorah Lighting at the Lake celebration, on Thursday, Dec. 2, at 5:30 p.m. at Lake Gleneida, at the corner of Route 6 and Route 52 in Carmel, replete with latkes and hot chocolate.  On Sunday, Dec. 5, they will host a Chanukah Bowling Party at Carmel Bowl, 23 Old Route 6, Carmel, at a cost of $8 per person for two-hour unlimited bowling. Information on all of Chabad’s programs and services, which include classes for adults, daycare, Shabbos dinners and much more, can be found at http://www.putnamchabad.org/. 

Behind The Story

Type: News

News: Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.

Rooney has been writing for The Current since its founding in 2010. A playwright, she has lived in Cold Spring since 1999. She is a graduate of Binghamton University, where she majored in history. Location: Cold Spring. Languages: English. Area of Expertise: Arts