The Festival of Lights
Jewish families begin eight-day celebration of Chanukah
by Rebecca Guyon (exerps posted, for complete article see pleasantonweekly.com)
Today marks the first day of Chanukah, the Jewish holiday of lights that lasts for eight days, ending this year on Dec. 23. After sundown tonight, Jewish families light the first candle on the menorah, break bread and exchange small gifts commemorating the event.
Around the Tri-Valley, the Chabad of the Tri-Valley organized large menorah ceremonies at Hacienda Crossings in front of the Regal Cinema and at the Stoneridge Shopping Center, in addition to hosting traditional Chanukah lighting ceremonies within its congregation. A 9-foot menorah went up in front of the movie theater last week and a lighting ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow, Dec. 16 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Down the street at Stoneridge, another 9-foot menorah will be lit Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. with festivities happening from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The menorah is part of the second annual "Chanukah Wonderland" located in the shopping center. In the "Chanukah Wonderland," children can take photos with 'Judah the Maccabee,' get their face painted and make numerous holiday crafts . . .
. . . The history and rituals of Chanukah celebrate the victory of the Jews, led by the Maccabees, against Greek persecution and religious oppression. After the victory, the Jews returned to their Temple, which had been decimated and filled with pagan statues, and rededicated it. But, in the Temple they only found one flask of oil with which to light the eternal flame. Although there was only enough oil for one day, the flame stayed lit for eight days, enough time for more oil to be pressed and keep the flame going. The holiday commemorates the victory and the miracle of the oil. That's why Chanukah is known as the Festival of Lights and the word literally means rededication in Hebrew.
For the eight days, Jewish families light a candle on the menorah each night, symbolizing the eight days the oil stayed lit, and read blessings during the lighting. Small gifts are exchanged, usually dredels—clay tops—and gelt—chocolate coins wrapped in gold. Traditional Chanukah foods include latkes, fried potato pancakes, and sufganiot, or doughnuts. Foods cooked in oil contribute to honoring the miracle of the oil.
Resnick said he enjoys celebrating the usual Chanukah traditions with his family, but also makes a point of giving out menorahs and candles to families who do not have them. Sharing the holiday is a major aspect of Chanukah, he said.
"Chanukah was made with the intent of publicizing the miracle to point that in Jewish lore, if you don't have someone else seated to light the menorah with you, you haven't fulfilled the tradition," Resnick explained. "Part of participating is you share the miracle and the light with someone else."
In fact, Resnick said the importance of sharing Chanukah is what really sets it apart from other Jewish holidays.
"We have Passover in the spring, and then we have Roshashana, the harvest festival, but Chanukah is the only holiday we have where we say fight the badness and add light to world," Resnick said. "It's an important message, which is why we do public celebrations. I think that's why it's gained popularity. You'll find menorahs in front of the White House, the Kremlin and big menorahs publicly displayed all over the world." . . .
Learn more
For a complete history of Chanukah and information on Chanukah celebrations, visit www.JewishTriValley.com and click on the Chanukah link.
