‘Dreidel Island’ Kicks Off Chanukah Celebration in Briarcliff Manor

Although the first night of Chanukah isn’t until Wednesday, Nov. 27, the Chabad of Briarcliff got the dreidel spinning a few days early with the opening of the third annual “Dreidel Island” on Thursday, Nov. 21.

Located at 430 North State Road in Briarcliff Manor, Dreidel Island will celebrate the Jewish holiday through Sunday, Dec. 1. 

Adults and children of all ages can build and decorate a light-up Chanukah Village, witness real live olive press demonstrations, do missions in a glow in the dark Chanukah room, play with Chanukah stacking cups, and play ping-pong dreidel, among other games.

“This is just a place where kids can come to learn about and experience the joy of Chanukah,” Chabad of Briarcliff Rabbi Dovid Labkowski told Patch. “I just want children to be happy and proud about their Jewish traditions.”

In addition to games and decorations, Dreidel Island has a robust Judaica gift shop set up for those looking to do some Chanukah gift shopping. The gift shop, along with the island’s games and festivities, has expanded in each of its three years, Labkowski said.

“Every year we get new ideas,” he said. “This is the first year we put the Chanukah Village, which is really neat.”

Dreidel Island and the Chabad of Briarcliff will truly begin its Chanukah celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. at Pocket Park at 1136 Pleasantville Road with a community menorah lightning and an “amazing fire juggling show.”

As for this year's Chanukah festivities colliding head-on with Thanksgiving, Labkowski sees it as a win-win for everybody.

“I think it’s a really beautiful idea,” he said. “At the end of the day, Thanksgiving is about thanking God for everything you have. So is Chanukah. They work together.”