As the Jewish community on Long Island begins to celebrate Hanukkah, many are reflecting on its story of hope and miracles.

At the Chabad of Mineola, the Hanukkah festival is accompanied by a telethon that, according to Rabbi Anchelle Perl, "reaches out to the community to say thank you.

"Our focus in our work is helping people who fall through the cracks," Perl says.

The Chabad-Lubavitch Jewish organization is planning to host Hanukkah celebrations around the world, including lightings of the world's largest menorahs - both 32 feet tall - in Manhattan near Central Park at Fifth Avenue and 59th Street, and in Lafayette Park in Washington D.C.

AP wire services were used in this report.