Jewish community plans Hanukkah festivities
Hanukkah begins at sundown on Tuesday, with the lighting of the first of eight candles.
The eight-day festival of light commemorates the Maccabees' defeat of the Syrians that allowed the Jews to reclaim the Holy Temple in Jerusalem more than 2,000 years ago. When they sought to light the Temple's menorah, they could find only a day's supply of oil that had escaped contamination. Yet that small amount burned for eight days, until new oil could be prepared under conditions of ritual purity.
(Jonathan Miano/Staff Photographer)
Rabbi Mendy Goldstein, director of Chabad of Naperville, a branch of a global organization designed to bring people closer to Judaism, said Hanukkah contains a universal message for people of all faiths that, ultimately, good will triumph over evil, freedom over oppression and light over darkness.
"We light candles," he said. "Every single day we add another light. During this time of darkness we have to add more light to our world by doing acts of goodness and kindness."
Chabad of Naperville and Congregation Beth Shalom are each holding events to celebrate Hanukkah.
Congregation Beth Shalom will hold a Hanukkah bazaar and concert Sunday at the synagogue, 772 W. 5th Ave. The bazaar will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Items for sale include jewelry, serving pieces, gifts, purses, cookware and books.
The concert begins at 3 p.m. and features Listen Up! A Cappella. The group is made up of four award-winning singers who will perform all styles of music including hip hop, country and Jewish favorites. The first part of the concert focuses on young families and will include storytelling and a Hanukkah singalong with cantor Hasha Musha Perman.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $7 for children and free admission for children under 5.
Perman said it is important for Jewish people to come together to observe Hanukkah.
"This is really a minor holiday, but it's the idea that power does not come from numbers," she said. "Power comes from trusting in God and making a decision to live a certain way. In ancient times, the Maccabees were a small family that fought against the Roman presence in the ancient land of Israel. They remind all of us that it is not through physical power but it is a spiritual power that we are all endowed with, and we can look to this power as a source of courage and inspiration."
In addition to the usual young family service at 6:30 p.m. and the traditional service at 8 p.m., Congregation Beth Shalom will hold a special Latke Lighting Party at 7:15 p.m. Friday. Everyone in the Jewish community is invited to bring a menorah and candles to the synagogue. Those planning to attend are asked to R.S.V.P. by calling 630-961-1818.
Chabad of Naperville is planning a special observance of Hanukkah. Adults and children are invited to participate in the construction of a menorah from Lego building blocks beginning at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Westfield Fox Valley Mall. At about 4:30 p.m., Naperville Mayor George Pradel will kindle the menorah by inserting special lanterns. The event also will feature a public menorah lighting, music, Hanukkah songs, games, crafts, a juggler, jelly doughnuts, dreidels and Hanukkah gelt. A bucket of Legos may be sponsored for $18. For more information or to R.S.V.P., call 630-689-1387 or visit www.jewishnaperville.com.
Chabad of Naperville is taking its Hanukkah message to the streets with its "MenorahMobile." A large, illuminated electric menorah will be attached to the roof of the car which will travel throughout the community during the eight days of Hanukkah offering menorahs, candles and gifts for children.
"We try to do thing different that will get people's attention so that people become part of it," Goldstein said.
Contact Kathy Millen at kmillen@scn1.com or 630-416-5204.