Chanukah is an eight day holiday that begins on the 25th day of Kislev, on the Jewish calendar, each year. This year, Chanukah started on December 12th at sunset, and the whole campus was able to assemble in the multi-purpose room to observe the holiday.
Through fun songs (like the one above) and entertaining videos, we recounted the victorious story of a small group of Jews, including the Maccabee family, who fought off the Assyrian-Greeks in a battle that lasted three years ( 168-165 B.C.E.), in order to retain their Jewish identity and practices. This was the first time, in recorded history, that a people stood up for their rights, and it is a cause to celebrate, even today!
Where does the connection to “light” come in? Well, when the Jews returned to their Temple, in Jerusalem, that had been trashed and defiled by the Assyrians, they could only find one small crucible of oil to light the menorah that was lit each day in the Temple. As our children learned, one of the miracles of the Chanukah story is that this little bit of oil lasted eight days ~ the exact time needed to prepare, purify and bless a new batch of oil. Accordingly, Chanukah is celebrated by lighting a nine-branched chanukiyah ( candelabra). Each night, an additional candle is lit, adding more light to the darkening days.
During our special chapel service, the children heard Chanukah stories, learned a couple of Chanukah songs and prayers, played the dreidel (a spinning top that tells the story of Chanukah) game and enjoyed sufganiyot ( jelly doughnuts) which is also part of the traditional celebration of Chanukah.
Also known as The Festival of Lights, Chanukah is a time to celebrate with family and friends. It is a joyous holiday. We hope you have a wonderful celebration, as well… whatever, whomever, and however you choose to recognize this special time of year!
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