Hanukkah happiness at the Sephardic Jewish Center of Canarsie

Mazel tov! Pint-sized Hanukkah observer Nathaniel Cohen and dad Victor create a masterpiece fit for the family album during a Festival of Lights party at the Sephardic Jewish Center of Canarsie on Dec. 25.

Four-year-old Dovid Gilbert gleamed with pride as he lit a candle on the menorah to usher in the fifth day of Hanukkah — with a little help from grandpa Jeffrey Rich.

The sweet tot illuminated the time-honored taper on Dec. 25 as part of a Festival of Lights celebration at the Sephardic Jewish Center of Canarsie when other faithful around town were observing that other holiday marking another ancient miracle.

The frolic featured all the bells and whistles associated with a grand time, including live music, dancing, festive fare, and arts and crafts.

Bergen Beach tyke Nathaniel Cohen, 2, and his dad Victor had fun coloring holiday-themed pictures and spinning the dreidel, but his mother Samantha said that her son’s real joy during the holiday was lighting the menorah — what else?

“He looks forward to that!” said the mom, who precedes the ritual by making latkes for her bubbelah.

This year’s occasion was a historic one in the neighborhood, according to Rich, who said that half a dozen of the area’s synagogues came together for the Hanukkah party.

“I don’t remember that happening before,” said the congregant who attends Congregation Beth Tikvah.

Reach reporter Shavana Abruzzo at sabruzzo@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-2529.