Giant menorah lit at Calder Plaza to celebrate first day of Hanukkah

He noted that there are Hanukkah themed parties for children where the young people learn about the history of the holiday through song.

Hanukkah is about the Jews’ struggle for freedom.

In years past, Rosenblum held Hanukkah celebrations on ice-skating rinks, in shopping centers or in bowling alleys, TribLive reported.

The Maccabees were able to drive the armies out of Jerusalem but when they came to the temple they could only find one small jar of oil for the menorah. In Judaism, a special oil was needed, oil that had the seal of the high priest. Although they had only enough oil to keep the temple’s eternal flame lit for one day, the oil miraculously lasted eight days. “There needs to be more respect for all religions, and we can show support by being here”.

A menorah with two extra lights is lit.

Rabbi Fred Guttman explained the significance of the Monorah and other symbols of Hanukkah.

A typical menorah has only seven branches. The eight candles represent the eight nights of Hanukkah.

“I want my kids to grow up with pride in their Jewish heritage and a feeling of equality and self-confident as an American”, said Heather Baumgartenn who is looking forward to attending the public menorah lighting. The Chief Rabbi of France Haim Korsia lit the first candle on the 30 foot menorah. Even during times of unrest in our world, Israel has remained a light for people everywhere as a nation of hope.

Dreidels are little spinning tops with a different Hebrew letter on each side (spelling out the name of God). “It’s a time to enjoy each other’s company and play silly games”, Yavneh said.

Rabbi Daniel Swartz of Temple Hesed said they will have events and services planned.

In previous years, the family would bake traditional Jewish treats like latkes (potato pancakes) after lighting the menorah. Foods such as the donuts are made and eaten specifically during Hanukkah, a fact that Shoshana Feferman, who was born in Israel, learned when she prepared the delicacy for her in-laws, according to her husband.

“When it comes to the first night, we’re just starting off. It’s more than just the lesson of adding (light); it’s also a lesson of how we relate to our commitments and how we relate to our resolutions when it comes to good things”, Wilschanski said.