The menorah in South Orange’s Spiotta Park has been repaired after an apparent attack by vandals, and a scheduled menorah lighting ceremony for Thursday, Dec. 29 is on schedule.
“Hate has no home in South Orange,” said Village President Sheena Collum in an email to Village Green about the incident.
Vandals apparently shattered many of the light bulbs in the menorah, it was discovered early Tuesday.
“It was vandalized and quickly fixed by our employees in our Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs,” said Collum.
The incident is under investigation by South Orange Police.
“At this time the matter is being fully investigated by Detective Lieutenant McGuire and our Detective Bureau,” said South Orange Police Chief Kyle M. Kroll. “I echo our Village President’s comments on hate as it has no place in South Orange or anywhere for that matter.”
Meanwhile, Collum stressed, “The Menorah Lighting is absolutely on. It’s our third year doing this and it’s been wonderful. We encourage all residents to come out.”
The lighting takes place at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 29 and will be led by Rabbi Jesse Olitzky of Congregation Beth El in South Orange, as well as representatives from Oheb Shalom Congregation and Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel.
Rabbi Mark Cooper of Oheb Shalom, Rabbi Jesse Olitzky of Congregation Beth El, and Cantor Rebecca Moses of Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel.
