Cupertino DailyHanukkah The Festival Of Lights
Congregation
Traditional lamp ceremony
Celebrations Galore
When Antiochus IV took power late in the first century BCE, and laid
waste to the Temple in Jerusalem, the Jews were devastated. The
Maccabees, led by Judah and his sons began a revolution against the
harsh ruler and after a great battle and against impossible odds, they
prevailed.
They entered and ritually cleansed the Temple,
however when they lit the Menorah (candelabra) they could only find
enough pure consecrated olive oil for one day. Much to everyone’s
surprise, a miracle occurred and the oil lasted for eight days instead
of one. Rather than commemorate the violence that led them to this
great victory of good over evil, the Jews, instead–to this day
celebrate the miracle of the oil lasting eight days, focusing on the
peace.
On Dec. 21st. the first of the nine candles of the Menorah or
Chanukiah, eight plus the Shomer, or guardian of the eight will be lit,
with another candle added each night in the ceremony. Candles are added
from right to left, and lit from left to right from the guardian which
is lit first.
The ancient game of dreidle, a top with the Hebrew letters
standing for the words: Nes Gadol Hay Sham (or A great miracle happened
there, in Israel they substitute the word Sham for Po which means: A
Great Miracle Happened Here). Dreidle is a gambling match that can get
quite heated–with the pot consisting of coins, chocolate, nuts or
other prizes and is played by adults as well as children.
The game played with the top or Dreidle was used in ancient times,
to teach children about their religion. Gambling was allowed in the
time of the wicked Antiochus IV, but teaching Judaism was not. Faith
will always prevail.There is a wonderful song composed and written by
Peter Yarrow that says: “Don’t Let The Light Go Out, It’s Lasted For So
Many Years.” It’s featured on a new CD titled: “Lights”.
It summarizes how we feel about this special holiday that’s unlike all others.
Chabad, Cupertino’s only organized Jewish entity will hold a
public Menorah Lighting, with some of our City Officials in attendance,
on Sun. Dec. 21, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. in Cali Mill Plaza. This lighting
will be dedicated to the memory of the young couple, Rabbi & Mrs.
Hertzberg–who were victims of the Mumbai Massacre. There will be
refreshments and music as well as a toy drive for children with
cancer.
Tags: Festival of light, Hanukkah, jews
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