Hanukkah at the PJCC
Hanukkah—the Festival of Lights—invites us to shine brightness into the darkest part of the year. This joyous winter holiday commemorates the triumph of the Maccabees over a powerful occupying force and the miraculous story of a tiny vessel of olive oil that lasted eight days. Just as the Temple in Jerusalem was rededicated, Hanukkah is a perfect time to renew our commitment to the values that guide us.
A Time to Rededicate Ourselves
In Hebrew, the word “Hanukkah” literally means “re-dedication.” As we remember how Judah and his followers restored the Temple, we too can rededicate ourselves to our highest aspirations. Lighting candles when nights are longest reminds us that it takes only a small flame to bring hope and illumination to dark spaces.
The Miracle of the Oil
According to tradition, a single bottle of pure olive oil—enough for just one day—kept the Temple’s menorah alight for eight full days. This is why we light our own hanukkiah (special nine-branched menorah) for eight nights. Each evening, we add another candle until our hanukkiah glows with the fullness of the holiday’s light.
Hanukkah at Home
Families often gather to light the hanukkiah in a warm, festive setting. After the candles are lit, people sing, spin dreidels, and enjoy special foods fried in oil—like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts)—to honor the miracle. Many also dedicate each lit candle to a specific hope or cause, giving a small donation to an organization that supports that purpose.
Latkepalooze: The PJCC’s Annual Hanukkah Party
Bring the whole family to our much-anticipated Latkepalooze! This lively celebration is filled with music, crafts, games, and, of course, plenty of delicious latkes. Enjoy the warmth of community, the sweetness of tradition, and the joy of reconnecting with friends—new and old—as we light up the night in true Hanukkah style.
Simple Ways to Celebrate
- Light a favorite candle with friends or loved ones and reflect on something you’d like to (re)dedicate yourself to.
- Make a donation to a cause close to your heart.
- Practice self-care; treat your body like a temple with a relaxing yoga session, swim, or spa treatment.
- Embrace the fun! Sing songs, spin a dreidel, and savor the tastes and sounds of the holiday.
How to Light the Hanukkiah
- Arrange the candles from right to left, placing the shamash (helper candle) in its higher or separate holder.
- Light the shamash.
- On the first night, say all three blessings(found in the brochure below).
- On subsequent nights, say the first two blessings.
- Use the shamash to kindle the other candles from left to right.
- Enjoy songs, blessings, games, and delicious treats!
Learn More About Hanukkah
From all of us at the PJCC, Chag Hanukkah Sameach! May your candles shine brightly, and may this season inspire each of us to bring warmth and light to our world. We can’t wait to celebrate with you at Latkepalooze and throughout the holiday.