Community Corner

Hanukkah 2012 in Burlington

Celebrate the Festival of Lights in Burlington with fun events and delicious recipes.

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 (also spelled Chanukkah) 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. 

In Burlington, Temple Shalom Emeth is holding a couple of Hanukkah events and services.

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  • Community-Wide Chanukkah Party/Chanukkiah Contest/Mitzvah Mall – Sunday Dec. 9, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

From Temple Shalom Emeth: "Come join in the fun, nosh, and celebrate Chanukkah. Thanks to the Sisterhood, the party will be free this year. We hope to see you there. For more information or to volunteer to help, please contact Rhonda Rubin at 978-988-5899 or jrrubin34@comcast.net."

For more information and to find out about the Chanukkiah contest click here.

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  • Community Chanukkah Family Worship Service – Friday, Dec. 14, 7:30pm

From Temple Shalom Emeth: "Celebrate Chanukkah during our annual service of celebration. This year’s service will be conducted by our 4th graders. Special skit based on Rabbi Abramson’s book, Rabbi Rocketpower and the Mystery of the Missing Menorahs."

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?


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