Jewish community is steeped in tradition, but at least in New Paltz the community is neither insular nor exclusively religious in character. When asked about their personal associations with Chanukah, many of those present included “community” as one of their descriptors, waxing on about the importance of connecting with other families and individuals.

A community lighting of menorahs is one of the highlights of the annual Chanukah celebration held each December by the Jewish Congregation of New Paltz.