VIDEO: Malverne Kicks Off Festival of Lights

Shortly after the evening train let off commuters in Malverne Tuesday night, the village lit its large menorah to celebrate the start of Hanukkah.

Residents joined together with local officials and Jewish leaders near the train station for a ceremony that included religious readings and Hanukkah songs, led by Rabbi Meir S Dvir.

Malverne Trustee Michael Bailey lit the first two candles on the menorah, which can be seen from Hempstead Avenue, and wished all residents a Happy Hannukah. His sentiments were echoed by New York Assemblyman Ed Ra and David Feldman, president of the Malverne Jewish Center, who invited everyone to join him there for refreshments that night.

View photos of the menorah lighting above and look for a video report on Patch later tonight!