...and continues for 8 days. For those interested, a second annual Chanukah Festival is held Thursday, December 22nd, 5:30pm-6:45pm in Redwood City, 2200 Broadway at Courthouse Square.
From
San Mateo Daily Journal/Heather Murtagh, 12/17/11."Adding light to the world is one of the outcomes of
Hanukkah, which people can locally celebrate at a couple
of upcoming events....Hanukkah, which begins Tuesday night, is the celebration
of lights. More than 21 centuries ago, Israel was ruled by
the Seleucids. A small group of Jews defeated a large
army, driving away the Greeks to reclaim their temple in
Jerusalem. When they looked to find olive oil, only a
one-day supply was found. The oil burned for eight days.
It is this miracle that is central to the holiday, which
is celebrated the same number of days.".....
“The significance of Hanukkah today is a reconfirmation
of faith and hope,” said Rabbi Levi Potash, director of
Chabad of Mid-Peninsula. “Redwood City’s public Menorah
lighting proclaims the universal message of religious
freedom and tolerance, so critical in light of today’s
world situation. In ancient times, our ancestors
rededicated the Temple in Jerusalem with the Menorah.
Today, we rededicate ourselves to making this world a
better and brighter place. We look forward to welcoming
everyone at a warm and happy celebration.”
Ella Potash, program director for the event, expected 50
to 75 people last year and was pleasantly surprised to
have about 200 attend the inaugural event. They’re hoping
for a similar turnout this year. To be sure there are
enough latkes and jelly doughnuts for everyone, people are
asked to RSVP online at
www.jewishredwoodcity.com/festival.
The free registration also puts the person’s name in a
drawing to win a free Flip video camera. The opportunity to celebrate on the Peninsula was widely
welcomed, Ella Potash said, noting many people previously
went to San Francisco for a community celebration. Broadway will be shut down for the celebration which will
include local dignitaries and rabbis in attendance. But
there will also be plenty of entertainment and arts and
crafts for the children, she said. For Rabbi Levi Potash, the best part of the holiday is
the jelly doughnuts, he said with a laugh. Along with
sharing the ceremony with the community, he looks forward
to lighting the menorah at home with his family."
You may enjoy Light One Candle, a Hanukkah song written by
Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul and Mary) performed by Peter, Paul and Mary, video, 4:99 minutes.
Posted by Kathy Meeh
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