Hanukkah To Be Celebrated at Temple Beth Am

From Temple Beth Am: Hanukkah is the celebration of a victory in the fight for religious freedom. About 2200 years ago, a Greco-Syrian king, Antiochus, ruled over Judea and the Jews living there. He forbade the Jewish people from praying to God, practicing their customs, and studying the Torah. Antiochus forced the Jews to worship the Greek gods. It is said that he placed an idol of the Greek god, Zeus, on the altar in the Holy Temple of Jerusalem.

In response to this persecution, Judah Maccabee and his brothers organized a group of resistance fighters. The tenacity of the rebels, which came from their steadfast faith in one God, is one reason this military victory has been so celebrated by Jews in future generations.

The Maccabees reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. They cleaned the Temple, removing the Greek symbols and statues. In rededicating the Temple, there was only a single cruse of oil that remained for lighting the menorah—enough oil for only one day A miracle occurred. The oil lit the menorah for eight days. The following year, eight days were designated as days of festivity, praise and thanksgiving to God.

In the modern era, Hanukkah is celebrated by giving thanks to God while lighting the menorah every night for eight days. Potato pancakes (latkes), a traditional food, is served at gatherings. Also, jelly doughnuts (soufganiyot) are eaten. Foods fried in oil commemorate the miracle.

Temple Beth Am, an independent community synagogue serving the San Jacinto Valley since 1962, will include the Hanukkah celebration as part of its December 30th Friday night service at 7 pm. The Temple is located at 20520 State Street (at Soboba Road). For information, visit the website here or call 951-445-0502.

Image courtesy of Temple Beth Am