Hanukkah 2012 in Media Patch

This year, Hanukkah begins on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 8, and ends a week later on Sunday, Dec. 16.

According to Chabad.org, Hanukkah starts on the Hebrew calendar date of 25 Kislev and lasts for eight days. For those of us who aren't attuned to the Jewish calendar, that translates to sundown on Saturday, Dec. 8. 

Congregation Beth-Israel of Media will honor the holiday with the following:

• The congregation is invited to Chanukah Chavurot during Hanukkah week, with parties at members' homes open to Beth Israel members. (See attached PDF for details).
• Wednesday, Dec. 12, at 10:30 a.m., Latkes-Making Bonanza, come join in the fun and make the latkes for the Hanukkah Potluck. No prior experience needed.
• Friday, Dec. 14, at 6:30 p.m., Light Up the Night Celebration, the seventh night of Hanukkah and Shabbat will be celebrated with song, food, and friendship. RSVP is requested and please bring a dairy or vegetarian dish to share, latkes will be supplied. 

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the story of the Maccabean Revolt against Syrian rulers in present day Israel 2,300 years ago. The Maccabees wanted to rededicate Jerusalem's main temple but had only enough oil to kindle the Eternal Light for one day. The oil lasted for eight days, according to the story, and the holiday of Hanukkah was born.

Today, Jews generally celebrate by gathering together with family, lighting one candle on the menorah each of the eight nights, playing dreidel and eating special holiday foods such as potato latkes and babka.

TELL US: If you observe Hanukkah, what are your plans?