Recognizing the Holiday of Hanukkah

"Hanukkah" means "dedication" in Hebrew. The Jewish celebration began Tuesday evening and ends Wednesday evening, Dec. 28.

“The miracle of Hanukkah is that when they went to rededicate the [Jewish Temple in Jerusalem] only enough oil could be found to burn for one night," said Patti Kahn, director of education at Temple Sinai in Summit. "But, miraculously, it burned for eight days and eight nights. And Thus, we celebrate eight days and nights of Hanukkah," she said.

To many a child's delight Hanukkah is celebrated with eight days of gifts. Perhaps more importantly, a menorah or hanukkiah is lit which represents the days the oil from the Jewish Temple burned. The Temple's menorah had seven candles. Hanukkiah today have nine— eight to represent each day of Hanukkah and one, the shamash, to light the others.

Temple Sinai will honor the Jewish holiday with prayer and other activities.