Community Corner

Hanukkah 2012 in Medford

Celebrate the Festival of Lights in Medford 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 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 Medford, Temple Shalom is holding its usual schedule of services and special Hanukkah events, including:

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  • A Hanukkah Party on Sunday, Dec. 9 from noon to 2 p.m. with Children's Musician "The Music Man." There will be music, a sing-a-long, crafts, menorah making, a children's book fair and lots and lots of latkes. There's a suggested donation of $5 per family along with an article of warm children's clothing to be donated to a local charity.
  • Rosh Chodesh on Thursday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. As the end of Hanukkah nears, the Temple will mark the first day of the month in the Hebrew Calendar by holding a Yankee Swap.

For more information on Temple Shalom's events, email events@templeshalommedford.org.

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.

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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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