Mayor Ras J. Baraka, the Newark Municipal Council, The Berger Organization President and CEO Miles Berger, are sponsoring the event. The Edison Properties, the Manischewitz Company, the Chick Pea Restaurant and Rabbi Levi Block are co-sponsoring the event with the City. The Newark Boys Chorus, directed by Brian Harlow, will observe Hanukkah, the Jewish eight-day Festival of Lights, by lighting the City’s menorah on Thursday, December 29, at 4:30 p.m., inside the First Floor Rotunda at City Hall, at 920 Broad Street, Newark.

The menorah lighting will be preceded by a program in the City Hall Rotunda, which will include musical performances by the Newark Boys Chorus. The program will also honor Newark’s Jewish heritage and continuing contributions to the City.

In addition, presentations will be made to Mayor Baraka, Chief of Staff Amiri Baraka, Jr., West Ward Council Member Joseph McCallum, South Ward Council Member John Sharpe James, and former Deputy Mayor and Municipal Council Member Calvin West.

“Hanukkah celebrates the victory of a courageous people fighting to worship according to the traditions of their religion,” said Mayor Baraka. “The story remains relevant today as hatred and intolerance destroy the lives of millions throughout the world who want nothing more than to peacefully practice their religious beliefs.”