"Light one Candle" Mayor Michael Bloomberg lights the Shamas Candle before the lighting of the Hanukkiah on the Second night of the 5772 celebration of the holiday. From left, Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Ron Proser, Dov Aharon Bloom, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Rachel Ordan, and Consul General of israel in New York, Ido Aharoni. Photo: Maxine Dovere.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg welcomed several hundred leaders of the New York community to the Mayor’s annual Hannukah party, this year, 2011/5772, celebrated at the Museum of Jewish Heritage at Battery Park. The festive event was “high-lighted” with the blessing of the candles of the second night of the holiday.

Dov Aharon Bloom, a student at Yeshiva Darchei Torah in Queens and Rachel Ordan, at SAR’s Academy in the Bronx, joined the Mayor for the lighting of the Menorah. Cantor Lipa Schmelzer, resplendent in turquoise brocade and sable streimel, added blessings and songs to the evening. The Mayor acknowledged the generosity of the gathering, including Rabbi Elie Abadie of the Safra Synagogue and Isaac Gindi of Century 21.

Mayor Bloomberg reminisced about both his immediate family and his larger Jewish family, noting that Israel, although perhaps distanced by thousands of miles, was “home” for every Jew. He spoke of his most recent visit to Israel in October, “six hours on the ground” during which a medical center honoring his father, William H. Bloomberg, was dedicated.

David Marwell, Director of the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York, with former New York City Attorney General Robert Morgenthau and Dr. Ruth Westheimer. Photo: Maxine Dovere.

Local politician David Weprin (R) and Israeli Consul for Media Affairs Shahar Azani (L). Photo: Maxine Dovere.

From left, singer Lipa Shmeltzer, Rabbi Joseph Potasnik and Ambassador Ron Prosor. Photo: Maxine Dovere.