NORTHAMPTON — More than 250 people gathered on Sunday at Congregation B’nai Israel for a Community Chanukah Celebration featuring a night of music, food and festivities to celebrate the first night of Chanukah. The event featured candle lighting, music, sufganiyot (donuts), latkes (potato pancakes), snacks, beer, cider and more.
Singer Aram Rubinstein-Gillis performs during a first night of Hanukkah celebration at Congregation B’nai Israel in Northampton on Sunday, December 14, 2025. CHRISTOPHER EVANS/For the Gazette 
Northampton resident Jonathan Dubinsky and his daughter Yona join in a musical performance during a first night of Hanukkah celebration at Congregation B’nai Israel in Northampton on Sunday, December 14, 2025. CHRISTOPHER EVANS/For the Gazette 
Congregation B’nai Israel rabbis Ariella Rosen and Jacob Fine welcome everyone during a first night of Hanukkah celebration at the Northampton synagogue on Sunday, December 14, 2025. CHRISTOPHER EVANS/For the Gazette 
Families light candles during a first night of Hanukkah celebration at Congregation B’nai Israel in Northampton on Sunday, December 14, 2025. CHRISTOPHER EVANS/For the Gazette 
Emmett Leader of Northampton, deep-fries sufganiyot, a type of jelly-filled and sugar coated donuts, during a first night of Hanukkah celebration at Congregation B’nai Israel in Northampton on Sunday, December 14, 2025. CHRISTOPHER EVANS/For the Gazette 
Attendees enjoy fresh sufganiyot (donuts) during a first night of Hanukkah celebration at Congregation B’nai Israel in Northampton on Sunday, December 14, 2025. CHRISTOPHER EVANS/For the Gazette