Celebrations, large and small, mark arrival of Hanukkah on Long Island

Long Island Jews celebrated the start of Hanukkah Wednesday with traditional dreidels, menorah lightings and, of course, latkes as the holiday — in a calendar rarity — landed this year on Christmas Day for the first time in nearly two decades.

Hanukkah, Judaism’s eight-day Festival of Lights, has appeared on the Jewish calendar on Christmas only four times since 1900, most recently in 2005.

At Ben's Kosher Delicatessen in Woodbury, it was "all hands on deck" Wednesday afternoon, with more than 100 catering orders to fill, longtime employee Teri Fried said. A typical day, she said, brings 5-10 catering orders.

"This is one of our biggest days," said Fried, who has worked at Ben's for 18 years, doing "everything except for cooking."

The most popular menu item today? Latkes, or fried potato pancakes, Fried said without hesitation.

Plus, "we have people getting last-minute Christmas items," she added. "So we’re gonna help everyone today."

Around noon — hours before the official start of Hanukkah at sundown — the takeout line ran the length of the counter as Roger Domingo, who's worked at Ben's for 25 years, served up pastrami and greeted customers with a smile. Nearby hot dogs and knishes sizzled on the grill near a deep container of crispy latkes.

"Because Hanukkah and Christmas collided this year, it’s anybody’s guess how the dining room is gonna be later," Fried said, adding that the restaurant could get even busier Wednesday night.

Dennis and Vicki Dunning shared a pastrami and tongue sandwich combo with a knish in the dining room. The Dutchess County couple were on their way to celebrate Christmas at Vicki’s brother’s house in Merrick.

"We can’t get this up by us," she said, gesturing to the kosher delicacies on her table.

The Dunnings said they celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas. Their Hanukkah festivities will begin Thursday, when Vicki Dunning makes latkes.

"We have the best of both worlds," Dennis Dunning said.

Jeff Greenblatt, of Syosset, stopped at Ben’s to pick up some food before he and his family, including his wife, in-laws and three daughters, ages 8, 10 and 13, headed to the Berkshires to ice skate and celebrate Hanukkah. His order: turkey, pastrami, latkes, mini hot dogs, chicken tenders and French fries.

"I like when Hanukkah and Christmas are at the same time," Greenblatt said. "It’s good to have everybody celebrating at the same time."

Later Wednesday, Hanukkah parades and menorah lightings filled the streets of southern Nassau County.

The Chabad of Merrick-Bellmore-Wantagh hosted its 19th annual Hanukkah Experience with its grand menorah lighting and parade, followed by a traditional meal, movies and crafts for children.

The event began at the Merrick Long Island Rail Road station and featured performances by preschool-age students while Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman lit a giant menorah. Meanwhile, gelt chocolate coins — a Hanukkah tradition — parachuted into small outstretched hands of young attendees.

At the LIRR's gazebo, dozens of children, parents and grandparents commemorated what Rabbi Mendel Kramer, 23, called a miracle of several thousands years ago when a small army of Jewish fighters called the Maccabees overtook the Greek-Syrian army.

According to tradition. Jewish fighters then reclaimed the Second Temple and found one small jug of oil that lasted eight nights.

"If we all search in ourselves for that little bit of light, a little bit of that small act of kindness, that small, good thing that we could do to make the world a better place gets magnified," Kramer said.

Matthew Morand, 46, attended the celebration with his three daughters, a 5-year-old and twin 7-year-olds. Some of Morand's fondest memories are of celebrating Hanukkah with his family as a child. He hopes to pass those traditions on to his children.

"It's surreal to have those experiences now with my own children," Morand said. "In light of what's going on in the world today, we're trying to foster Jewish identity with our children. I think it's more important now than ever. So being at gatherings like this, where you see so many people together and not afraid, is paramount ... especially in times like this."

Amid the festive atmosphere, the war in Israel and Gaza and the 100 hostages still being held were top of mind.

"Think about our hostages that are in a dark place and not able to light the menorah," Kramer told the crowd. "Let's light it for them."

Amanda Bernstein, of Seaford, attended the event with her 3-year-old daughter Rylie, who sang with children from the Jewish Early Learning Center Preschool & Daycare in Merrick.

"I hope that Riley continues the love and traditions that we celebrate as a family and follows her Judaism with pride and happiness, and shares it with her community," Bernstein said. "I remember lighting the menorah together with our family and just being together and loving each other and having pride in my religion."

With Andrew Ehinger