Hunter's Jewish community celebrates Hanukkah by lighting menorah in Civic Park

Rabbi Yossi Rodal with a menorah in Civic Park. According to the Jewish calendar this is the year of gatherings. Picture by Max Mason-Hubers

THE HUNTER's Jewish community has celebrated the start of Hanukkah by lighting a menorah and sharing traditional food in Civic Park.

Rabbi Yossi Rodal and his wife Malki lead Newcastle Hebrew Congregation - the synagogue on The Hill - and Chabad of the Hunter, which is the Jewish community that stretches from the Central Coast to the Hunter Valley.