Rockland County's Jewish faithful battled the cold and rain Tuesday night, and came out by the hundreds to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah.

Some drove through the streets with menorahs atop their cars in the Hanukkah parade, and then they gathered at the Spring Valley Marketplace to officially the light the first candle on the menorah.

Organizers say they hold this event on the first night of the eight-day holiday to unite the Jewish community in Rockland. "One of the commandments is to spread the miracle of Hanukkah, so that's what we're doing, spreading the miracle," says Menachem Wolosow.

Hanukkah continues for the next seven nights.