A Brief History
While the true history of Hanukkah is unknown, the story commemorates the successful rebellion in the 2nd century B.C.E. A clan of freedom fighters known as the Maccabees revolted against Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The Greco-Syrian monarch who ruled Israel with a hard hand and banned the Jewish people from practicing their faith. After the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, the Maccabees found just enough oil to light candles for one night to read the Torah by. However, the oil burned for eight nights. Those eight nights are now signified by the eight days of Hanukkah where families and friends gather to join in celebration and reflection of the past.
Hanukkah Traditions
The keystone tradition of Hanukkah is the lighting of the menorah. The Hanukkah menorah is a nine-branched candelabra with a taller candle at the center called a shamash. The shamash is the attendant candle that lights all the other candles throughout the eight nights of Hanukkah. After the lighting of each candle special blessings are recited in melody with prayers and songs sung after the lighting. Traditional games such as dreidel are played, and oil-based foods such as latkes (potato cakes) and jelly-filled donuts are eaten.
The Meaning of Hanukkah
While Hanukkah means something different to everyone, I spoke with Senior Rabbi Paula Marcus of Temple Beth El in Aptos about what Hanukkah meant to her. She spoke to the observance of the freedom of religion and the ability to practice the Jewish faith openly and freely. Rabbi Marcus also expressed the importance of unity, gathering, and service to the community. Tonya Pacanins, a Jewish preschool educator, told me the themes of hope and bringing light into the darkness were fundamental. The belief that love should be duplicated is taught through the lighting of the menorah. Each candle lights the next but does not diminish its own light in the process. Just as when someone spreads love and positivity to others, it is not extinguished in the person. Rabbi Marcus talked about how this is not only one of the most valuable principles of Hanukkah but of the holiday season.
On a personal note, the ability to share customs and traditions with people of all faiths, cultures, and backgrounds has always been a cherished value of mine. I started my research for this article before the tragic events at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburg, PA. My heart is with those taken, their families, and the Jewish community during this difficult time.
Local Hanukkah Events
Menorah Lighting at Del Monte Shopping Center
December 2, 2018 from 4pm-6pm
Enjoy the lighting of the menorah, refreshments, and games. To be held by the water fountain. For more information go to www.delmontecenter.com.
Hanukkah Train
December 3, 2018, at 6:15 pm.
Gather at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for the lighting of the menorah at 6:15 pm, and then set off on a 1-hour train ride on Roaring Camp’s excursion cars adorned with thousands of lights and Hanukkah decorations. Share in Hanukkah traditions and ride the train through the streets of Santa Cruz listening to Hanukkah stories, playing dreidel and enjoying kosher refreshments. Tickets are $33 adult, and $27 children, and can be purchased at www.roaringcamp.com.
Santa Cruz Warriors Jewish Heritage Night
December 5, 2018, 7:00pm
Cheer on the Santa Cruz Warriors and celebrate Jewish heritage at the Kaiser Permanente Arena. Find information at https://santacruz.gleague.nba.com.
Hanukkah Craft Day
December 7, 2018, 10am-5pm
Make Hanukkah crafts at MY Museum in Monterey. For more information go to https://mymuseum.org
Hanukkah Extravaganza Dinner
December 7, 2018, 5:45 pm
Join Temple Beth El in Aptos for a latke dinner and fun followed by Rock of Ages Rock Shabbat at 7 pm. Tickets for the dinner are $18 for adults and $12 for children. For information or to purchase tickets go to www.tbeaptos.org.
Hanukkah Potluck Dinner
December 7, 2018, 6:00pm-7:30pm
Join Congregation Beth Israel for a potluck dinner followed by Shabbat service. For more information go to https://carmelbethisrael.org.
Hanukkah Dinner
December 8, 2018, 5:30 pm
A fun evening of food, candle lighting, dreidl spinning, and games at Temple Beth El in Salinas. For information go to https://templebethelsalinas.org.
Mazel Tots
December 9, 2018, 9:45am-11:15am
Mazel Tots is fun activities for children five years & under with their families at Temple Beth El in Aptos. Meet old friends and make new ones! No reservations needed ($5 donation suggested). Bring a healthy snack to share. For information go to www.tbeaptos.org.