BY ALLEN OSTER | On Sunday, November 28 in the late afternoon, Chelsea residents gathered in Clement Clarke Moore-Seal Park to celebrate Chanukah, “The Festival of Lights.”

Allen Oster, past president of the West 400 Block Association, welcomed a crowd of several dozen adults and children as the sun was beginning to set. Other members of the executive committee who attended were Laura Lee, current president; Karen Jacob, treasurer; and Scott Drevnig, member.

Allen gave a brief history of the story of Chanukah and then invited two of the block’s younger residents, Isabel and Imogen, to recite the blessings for the lighting of the first candle. The blessings were recited in Hebrew and English. Two younger members, Theo and Ryder, proceeded to turn on the lights. The assembled crowd then sang the Hebrew Ma’oz Tzur and the English version Rock of Ages.

Laura distributed the traditional chocolate “gelt” coins as neighbors stayed in the park to socialize while the kids went back to playing.

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