Stan Brein
Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights. Hanukkah means “dedication” in Hebrew. It celebrates the Maccabees’ victory over the Greek-Syrian oppressors and their reclaiming of the Holy Temple. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem over 2,000 years ago, celebrating a miracle where oil for the temple’s menorah burned for eight days instead of one. This eight-day winter holiday begins on the 25th day of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar (Dec. 14-22 in 2025). It involves nightly menorah lighting, special blessings, playing the dreidel game, and eating oil-fried foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and jelly donuts.
The members of the Jewish Friendship Group met on Dec. 14 to welcome in Hanukkah and to rekindle our spirit for the coming year. We are looking forward to a year of varied, fun activities of interest to all members. This will include holiday celebrations, a continuation of guest speakers, dine-outs, attending sporting events, initiating potluck dinners, visiting places of cultural interest, and collaborating with temples and community organizations.
There was good discussion and high interest at the meeting. We want to continue this renewal by having folks step up and develop and coordinate some of these activities. Please let us know what you can contribute to the process.
We hope to see you soon. Let us know your thoughts.
Bob Finkelman: ecaworld@gmail.com
Stan Brein: sbrein@sbcglobal.net
Shalom