Let There Be LIGHT

AT THE INN BERLIN, A HANUKKAH CELEBRATION BRINGS JEWISH TRADITIONS, HOLIDAY TREATS AND THE SPIRIT OF TOGETHERNESS TO THE HEART OF TOWN

A magnificent menorah shines at The Inn Berlin. It glows beneath strings of twinkling lights, welcoming the community as it gathers for a celebration of Hanukkah against the backdrop of a historic Victorian estate.

“After Thanksgiving is when we put up Berlin’s big menorah on the front lawn, on the corner of Main Street and Harrison Avenue, and it’s a reminder of how multicultural our community is,” says Maya Tomasello, founder and innkeeper of The Inn Berlin.

For Maya, who is Jewish, the celebration is especially meaningful. Since 2023, the inn has hosted the gathering in partnership with the Town of Berlin, Temple Bat Yam and Chabad Lubavitch of the Eastern Shore, inviting people of all faiths to experience the traditions and joy of the Festival of Lights.

Maya Tomasello, owner, The Inn Berlin

Maya purchased the historic property in 2020, renovated it and opened the five-room bed-and-breakfast in 2021. The estate retains much of its original architectural character, complemented by modern amenities and beautifully landscaped grounds. A brick rose garden added in 2024 creates an inviting gathering space.

The inn becomes a place where neighbors join to celebrate a holiday that might be familiar to some and entirely new to others.

“We welcome everyone to come and help celebrate, and we want as many people as possible to light the candles,” Maya says, noting that the mayor, town council members and rabbis participate in the ceremony.

“My family gets to light one every year,” she adds. “It’s beautiful, and I feel honored that we have an opportunity to host the celebration.”

Sharing the Light

Hanukkah commemorates the miracle of a small supply of oil that, according to Jewish tradition, burned for eight days.

Berlin’s annual celebration is intentionally scheduled toward the end of Hanukkah, allowing more candles to shine during the community menorah lighting. This year, the celebration will be held on Dec. 10.

The festivities include children’s activities, music and remarks from town leaders and rabbis from Temple Bat Yam and Chabad Lubavitch of the Eastern Shore. Following a prayer, community members gather for the candle-lighting ceremony.

No celebration would be complete without the food.

And in keeping with the holiday, Maya quips, “The goal is to use as much oil as humanly possible since we are celebrating the miracle of oil.”

Maya and her staff spend the day preparing latkes—crisp, golden pancakes served with applesauce and sour cream. They also make sufganiyot, which are traditional jelly doughnuts, usually filled with raspberry preserves and coated in sugar.

And in keeping with The Inn Berlin’s in-house bakery, Boulangerie, all of the fare is gluten-free—a departure from traditional recipes, yet a delight for those who seek out the inn for this very reason.

Children can also play dreidel, a traditional spinning-top game, and enjoy gelt—chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil.

But beyond the food, music and festivities, Maya hopes guests take away a deeper understanding of the holiday and the community that celebrates it. “It’s about protecting Jewish culture, faith and, most importantly, letting others see that Jewish joy is something beautiful,” Maya says. “It’s a nice way to remind ourselves of the tradition and share it with others.”

Joy in Togetherness

The Inn Berlin first hosted the community celebration in 2023, just two months after the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attacks on Israel. For Maya, it was a particularly poignant time to gather with neighbors, honor Jewish traditions and celebrate the enduring message of Hanukkah.

“Hanukkah is a way for us to reflect and celebrate something joyous. We commemorate light triumphing over darkness with the oil in the candles that miraculously burned for eight days,” she says.

That message continues to resonate as the celebration brings together Jewish families, local leaders and neighbors from all backgrounds. “We want to celebrate and bring joy to the world—and it’s all about being together.”