Hanukkah 2012 In The Region
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with fun events and delicious recipes.
Hanukkah Sameach!
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.
Here are some activities going on in the region to celebrate Hanukkah:
On Dec. 9,Temple Emanuel in Andover will host a Childrens' Chanukah Party at 1 p.m.
On Dec. 12, Temple Shir Hadash in Westford will host a Hanukkah party from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
On Dec. 14, Temple Emanuel in Andover will host a Chanukah Night of Music: "New Orleans Jazz", Sabbath Eve Service at 6 p.m.
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?
Tracey Zysk
10:02 am on Saturday, December 8, 2012
Come join Rabbi Asher Bronstein of Chabat Lubavitch Jewish Center of Merrimack Valley, The New Chabat of North Andover and Chabat Lubavitch Jewish Center of Merrimack Valley on SATURDAY, December 15th at The North Andover Common 7PM for Latke’s, Hot Coco and donuts for the Annual Menorah Holiday Lighting tradition.