Candlelight tradition born Friday

YOUNGSTOWN -- Rabbi Frank Muller said a new tradition was born Friday night at Congregation Rodef Sholom.

The eighth and final night of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, was celebrated at the temple with a candlelit family service.

"This is the first time we've done this in my 23 years as a rabbi," Muller said. "It's rare that the eighth night of Hanukkah falls on a Friday when we have our service."

Muller said about 70 people were at the service, which he described as "a normal service with candles instead of regular light."

He said he had encouraged families to bring their menorahs to Rodef Sholom in the past, but it was the largest turnout so far.

Turnout included Andrew Kolovich, 6, with his parents Michael and Gretchen of Champion, who is featured in the main art on Vindy.com.

Muller said there would "definitely" be a service by candlelight for Hanukkah next year, likely the first night instead of the eighth. Hanukkah will begin at sundown Dec. 4 in 2007.

"This will probably become a yearly tradition. A new tradition was born tonight in our synagogue," Muller said.

Muller is also a member of Shalom Rav, the Youngstown rabbis' band which performs Jewish-American music. Shalom Rav will perform as part of the First Night Youngstown celebration. They are scheduled to perform two 45-minute shows, at 6 and 7 p.m., in Bliss Recital Hall at Youngstown State University.