Rabbi Charles Rubovits quizzed the children at the party on their knowledge of Hanukkah.
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But the proximity of Hanukkah to Christmas can be a challenge, said Torop, referring to what is called the December dilemma. “There’s no connection between the two other than they occur around the same time of year”.
The story of the Maccabim, who led the victorious uprising against the Greek-Hellenistic empire in 167 BCE, has stood the test of time as a story of Jewish strength, attainment, and faith. “Past year we had about 50 cars going all through River Heights and Tuxedo and all with brightly lit Hanukkah menorahs on the tops of the cars”. “It’s actually not a Biblical holiday – it’s not mentioned anywhere in the Old Testament”.
A Hanukkah celebration is planned tonight on the steps of the Riverside Historic Courthouse, where victims of the San Bernardino shooting rampage will be honored, followed by a variety of activities marking the second night of the eight-night Jewish festival.
“Yes, something very sacred has been desecrated”, he said.
The National Menorah Lighting dates to 1979 when Jimmy Carter was president. The eight day festival that is observed annually, starts on the 25th day of Kislev, the ninth month of the Hebrew lunar calendar.
“The public aspect of Hanukkah has risen considerably”, he said.
Many observant Jews mark the occasion at home by lighting one candle in a menorah on each night of Hanukkah.
“I always invite people who have never experienced Hanukkah, especially if they are non-Jewish”, she said. “The way to properly do it is to light it by oil”. “It’s great to be a part of the community in Missoula where we get to focus on every individual”, said Nash.
Saturday night, before the eve of Chanukah, the menorah at Chabad Lubavitch Jewish Synagogue in Sugar House was stolen, vandalized, and then dumped at Westminster College. “We want to educate people on who we are”. Traditional Hanukkah foods are cooked in oil to honour the miracle of the “one jar of oil”, explains Birnham.
Hall, however, said one tradition associated with the holiday was completely Western in its origins.
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“Properly educate our children in the right way, and teach them that we must love each other”, he said. “That’s something that is American”. If anyone asked what they were doing, they would pretend to play a game with their dreidels. There are no practices that will make anyone feel left out, Greenberg said.
