Eagle Scout Builds Menorah For Holiday Display In Hazlet, N.J.
HAZLET, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Hanukkah is a couple weeks away, but the holiday spirit is shining bright in one New Jersey town.
Hazlet, New Jersey held a special menorah lighting ceremony Saturday night, courtesy of 15-year-old Max Rothman, an aspiring Eagle Scout, who turned the act of volunteerism into a holiday mitvah, TV 10/55's Scott Rapoport reported.
"Extraordinary moment of pride and happiness to see it all come together," he said.
The town's eight foot tall menorah was conceived, designed and brought to life by Rothman, who wanted to do something good for his community.
"I'm really proud of him. He really put a lot of hours in to get it done," his mother, Marcie, said.
Five months ago, Rothman was looking for a scout project, so he went to the town to see what they needed. He was told a new menorah to replace the old one, and he immediately went to work to build it.
He did all of the fundraising, then started the construction and electrical work. He had some help from 30 scouts and adults from Hazlet troop 137.
"To see it go from paper straight into life was a great achievement," Rothman said.
He was given the special honor of flipping the switch and lighting the menorah.
Saturday's lighting ceremony was part of an annual holiday display. The candles will be turned off, expect for the middle one, and the others will be lit again at the start of Hanukkah.
