The town of Bethlehem, NH was founded on Christmas Day, 1799. For more than 100 years Jews have come to Bethlehem during the summer and fall months to enjoy the clean air and beautiful scenery but until fairly recently few Jews remained in the North Country after the fall holidays and leaf season. Thus the holiday of Hanukkah came and went without much notice in the village named after the original town in Israel. In the past thirty or forty years Jews have made their permanant homes in the area. Because of the gracious acceptance of the townspeople, our Jewish community has become a part of the greater community.
This year thanks to the efforts of Harold Friedman a large outdoor menorah (hanukiah in Hebrew) was given to the town by the NH Lubavitchers. The menorah was placed along side Christmas decorations on the lawn of the Bethlehem Public Library-Town Hall Building. BHC president Dave Goldstone lit the shamas (helper candle) and the first light on the first night of Hanukkah, Tuesday Dec. 20. He was joined by a joyful group.
Photo by Linda Herrman
Thank you to Harold, Dave, the Lubavitchers and all who participated.
Chag urim samaech (Happy Festival of Lights).
