| Show Dedicated to Eight Days and Nights Stefani Stefan Jensen Contributing Writer This time of year most of ofus ofus ofus us are preparing for Christmas buying presents decorating our homes and listening to Christmas music Have you ever thought about other celebrations taking place all around the world The Jewish holiday Hanukkah is celebrated around this time each year Hanukkah meaning dedication dedication dedication dedi cation is celebrated for eight days and nights The celebrations start on the of on the Hebrew cal cal- Hanukkah goes all the way back to BC B.C. when the Jews defeated the Hellenist Syrians Hanukkah commemorates the rededication rededication rededication tion of the holy temple in Jerusalem The celebration also reaffirms the continuing struggle to live by Gods God's commandments and to lead Jewish lives Hanukkah has many traditions traditions traditions including the most popular popular popular pop pop- ular the lighting of the Menorah Most elementary school children learn about this tradition On each night of Hanukkah the menorah is lit to commemorate a miracle which occurred when the Jews proclaimed victory over the Syrian armies annies Jews light one candle each night of Hanukkah and on the eighth night all of the candles are burning A History Channel special on Hanukkah mentioned that the candles are placed in the menorah from right to left but they are lit from left to right The highest candle known as the Shamash or servant is used to light theother the theother theother other candles Blessings are recited each night before the lights are kindled On the fifth night of Hanukkah Jewish families host a party Most refer to this night as the Night of the Fifth Candle It started in Eastern Europe and this night was like no other Phyllis Glazer a writer for forthe forthe forthe the Associated Press 11 See Hanukkah continued on page 6 Theft continued from front describes this night as a feast with steaming hot mushroom and barley soup roast goose or duck winter vegetables potato kugel or and tea The party doesn't stop here everyone sings songs play chess and card games and children gamble over nuts with the Hanukkah top called a dreidel The celebration lasts un until l the late hours of the night Parents of Jewish children created the tradition of gift giving so that their children wouldn't be left out of the fun of receiving presents that characterized Christmas Glazer wrote giving Gift especially the one gift each night is a latter-day latter Hanukkah custom Hanukkah is a celebration that we can all get involved in Families can make their own menorahs and light one candle each night for the eight days and nights Candles can easily be made from rolling beeswax around a wick Teach your families about the Hanukkah celebrations by telling a story about Hanukkah each night as you light a candle Prepare Hanukkah dishes such as and jelly doughnuts Hanukkah begins December 7 this year Plan now to have a party with your family as the Jews do on the Night of the Fifth Candle |
