For the first three nights of Chanukah, we had beautiful and well-attended Menorah Lightings, using special candle-lanterns atop the Menorah. On the first night, Rich Wachtel, Hillel President, kindled the Menorah in honor of his 19th birthday. On the 2nd Night Alan Rosen, alumnus of SUNY Albany, and now Residence Director at Downtown's Alumni Quad kindled the Menorah, and Rabbi Mendel did it on the third night. Special thanks to Scott Gultz for helping along with the songs, including "Maoz Tzur" and "Oh Chanukah".

Several special guests enhanced our kindling ceremonies. On the first night we were happy to welcome Mr. and Mrs. Goldstein, parents of Teri, who will be spending next semester abroad in Madrid Spain. On the second night, several members of the Moshav Band joined in (just before their excellent concert sponsored by TAGAR) and we were pleased to welcome Dr. and Mrs. Cohen, parents of Seth Cohen of Ruach, of the Percussion group and the Ski Team.

For the lightings we used special candle-lanterns from Eastern Mountain Sports - which have a protective glass shield against the furious winds blowing about on Campus. After the lightings we replaced them with 100 watt spun-glo bulbs (courtesy of Wolberg Electric) each day increasing one more, and they shone all day long - sharing Chanukah with all.

The Menorah Lightings and Menorah Display was arranged by Shabbos House along with other Jewish Student Groups. Special thanks to Student Life and Mr. Scott Birge of Campus Center for making it possible.

Alan Rosen kindles the Menorah on the 2nd Night, with over 50 students participating. The lively chanukah singing echoed throughout the podium, and we were all warmed despite the cold temps.

Hanging out at the Menorah: (L-R) Gabe Duci, Jason Hakimi, Dan Simakovsky, Eitan Hakimi, Daniel Rinkewich, Moshe Rubin, Chanie & Mushkie Rubin, David Greta, Rabbi Mendel Rubin, Jared Treiber, Dave Shahverdi.

Packing 2400 Dreidel Packets for distribution in all the Quads. Clockrise from Left: Elana Kleinman, Sara Symkowicz, Revi Hay, Arie Lipnick, Mike Kashani, Farah Fidler, Ben Tabar, Philip from RPI, an exciting Shabbos Guest from South Africa, and Harriet Roffe. (Matt Freedman & Rachel Commer are back on the couch). Thanks to the teamwork, it got done in record-time.

Menorahs and Dreidel Packets in all the Quad Dining Halls: Thanks to the cooperation and assistance of UAS and Chartwells Shabbos House brought a wooden Menorah with electric bulbs (a new one lit each night) as a cultural holiday display to each dining hall. Alongside each Menorah was a big decorated box of Dreidel Packets - 2-3 days later - they were all empty! There has been lots of positive feedback.

Each Dreidel Packet had a small plastic Dreidel, a silver choco-coin (non-dairy) and a little blue card with Dreidel Playing Rules and Campus Chanukah Events. Events Listed Included: Menorah Lighting at Small Fountain, Tagar's Moshav Band Concert, Lchaim's and Hillels NENY Bingo Chanukah Party at Shabbos House, the FYSH Latke Making, Hillel's Friday Night Dinner and the Chanukah Sunday Bagel Brunch.

Rabbi Mendel greets visitors to the Latke Table. Jared Treiber (in blue) keeps the Latkes sizzling on the griddle.

At the Special Edition Chanukah Bingo Party
Despite the hectic finals season many came out on a cold night to enjoy Raizy's homemade sizzling Latkes with applesauce,
and our special edition Chanukah Bingo, produced right here at Shabbos House. Everyone had lots of fun, and we had five
winners - for the first row of chanukah pictures filled, next for the small window surrounding the free space (double-winner),
and then for the first to complete the whole card of pictures. We also had runner-up prize for the second to fill the card. All
prize winners received Crossgates Gift Certificates - as Chanukah Presents.