Astorino was raised in a Con Edison cherry picker. He lit the first two lamps of the giant menorah while Rabbi Velvl Butman, of Chabad Lubavitch of Westchester County, chanted to the crowd below.
Astorino was joined by JCC Co-President Ophira Cukierman, White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach, Legislator Sheila Marcotte and other officials.
The impressive turnout acknowledges the JCC’s place in the community, said Milton Sussman, director of development at the JCC.
“These officials represent the whole community, and the JCC is here to be an anchor for the whole community,” he said. “It’s an acknowledgement of what we represent. We open our doors up to everyone; there are no requirements.”
This is the second time Astorino participated in the Hanukkah celebration. He also lit the first candle during the 2010 festival of lights. During a speech before lighting the candle this year, he spoke about the importance of uniting together for community events.
“Just like you can spell Hanukkah many different ways, it’s great to see the diversity of the people here to celebrate tonight,” he said. “We’re all here as one community.”
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