By Hadas Kuznits

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The New Jersey Department of Corrections is regulating menorah lighting in the state’s prisons.

Matt Schuman, spokesperson with the New Jersey Department of Corrections, says in the past, the prison system’s policy on menorah lighting during Hanukkah was decided on a case-by-case basis.

“We wanted to have a uniform policy that applies to every facility in the department, which was something that we hadn’t had in the past. So in conjunction with representatives of the Jewish community, we came up with a policy that complies with fire regulations and at the same time, will not disrupt the safe and secure operation of any New Jersey department of corrections facilities,” Schuman said.

This year, there will be a room dedicated to menorah lighting and a staff member or community volunteer will light the candles.

“Our goal is accommodate religious traditions as best we can without jeopardizing the safety and security of the facility.”