‘Chanukah on Worth’ recalls ‘miracle’
By Betty Nelender
Daily News Staff Writer
Friday, December 14, 2012
 A crowd gathers Wednesday as Rabbi Zalman Levitin lights the menorah. |
 Rebbetzin Hindel Levitin applies makeup to Amy Hartmann, who performed a Maccabee soldier in the musical ‘Chanukah Lights’ at ‘Chanukah on Worth.’ |
 Rabbi Zalman Levitin introduces the lighting of the menorah Wednesday during ‘Chanukah on Worth’ at Midtown Beach and the Worth clock tower. |
A menorah lighting and a musical highlighted ‘Chanukah on Worth’ at Midtown Beach on Wednesday.
The evening featured Chanukah Lights performed by the Chabad drama club.
Rabbi Zalman Levitin told a crowd of about 200, “How great it is that we could celebrate the victory of the Maccabees and their freedom to practice Judaism in the open tonight, right on the beach. We are blessed and should use the blessing to do one more mitzvah today.”
The musical depicted the story of how the Jews persevered, despite the Greek rule outlawing the practice of Judaism and Torah study. “Because of their devotion, God made a miracle,” said Rebbetzin Hindel Levitin. “When the tiny, unarmed Maccabee army fought a war with the Greeks, the Maccabees miraculously won.
“The children’s performance was impressive and moving. One woman told me how inspiring it was to hear the children singing the Hebrew alphabet and songs of Torah.”
In addition to the theatrical production, there was a buffet, latkes and doughnuts, music and dancing, decorated ‘bling’ mugs and Hanukkah gelt.