South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

Hannukah's light shines on first day

South Florida celebration honors boy, 2, who survived Mumbai terror attacks

By Scott Travis

South Florida Sun-Sentinel

December 22, 2008

BOYNTON BEACH

In the dark terror of the attacks in Mumbai, India, 2-year-old Moshe Holtzberg emerged as a shining light for the Jewish community.

On Sunday night, the toddler was honored with the first candle of Hanukkah at a public ceremony at Boynton Beach Mall. Hanukkah, an eight-day Jewish festival, began at sunset Sunday.

"The young man is a symbol that the light will never go out," said County Commissioner Burt Aaronson, who lit the candle. "The light will never go out on Israel. The light will never go out on the world. Even when tragedy happens, there will be a light."

Chabad-Lubavitch of Greater Boynton, a synagogue west of Boynton Beach, sponsored the annual ceremony. The Mumbai attacks gave the traditionally upbeat event a somber feel.

More than 170 people were killed in the Nov. 26-29 attacks. Nine people died inside the Mumbai Chabad House, including Moshe's parents, Israeli-born American Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg, 29, and his wife, Rivka, 28. Moshe's nanny, Sandra Samuel, helped him dodge the gunfire and escape.

"He has been adopted by the Chabad Lubavitch movement, who will see to it that he has his every need in life met," Rabbi Sholom Ciment said. "Tonight is a celebration of life."

In addition to the menorah lighting, the event featured latkes, or potato pancakes; dollar bills for the children; and a singer-guitarist performing such popular seasonal tunes as I Have a Little Dreidel and Oh Hanukkah.

Zach Stander, 24, a member of the Chabad, attends the celebration every year.

"It's done to enlighten the community and remind them that it's Hanukkah time, so don't forget to light your menorah," he said.

Shayna Mermel, 23, traveled from Kendall for the celebration, as well as an early event at Boomer's in Boca Raton for Chai Lifetime, a group that helps Jews who have cancer. Her sister, Sarah, is a cancer survivor.

The two said they enjoyed the ceremony.

"The lighting of the candles is very, very wonderful," Mermel said. "It's full of magic and inspiration."