Tonight marks the first night of Hanukkah and in a pre-celebration, the Washington Business Improvement District hosted a ceremonial lighting yesterday at 214 Farm to Table Restaurant.

In the photo: Allison Thurber lights the first night candle while, L-R, Suzy Marr, Marsha Gross, Allison’s daughter, Abigail, and Allison’s dad, Howie Hirsch, look on. All are members of the Jewish Center of Northwest Jersey in Washington, of which Howie is the president.

In this group photo, the celebrants are joined by Melanie Thiel, Executive Director of the WBID, and Warren County Freeholder Jim Kern for the festivities, which were sponsored by Cafe 57.