Irma Lemus
BURBANK -- From a public display of Jewish pride to private
ceremonies, Burbank residents will celebrate the Hanukkah spirit.
Thursday at sundown marks the beginning of the Jewish holiday
Hanukkah, or the Festival of Lights. In terms of religious significance,
Hanukkah is a minor holiday when compared to Passover and Yom Kippur.
Nonetheless, Hanukkah is a time when families and friends gather to
light the symbolic menorah, eat latkes and exchange gifts.
Chabad of Burbank will celebrate Hanukkah by lighting a giant menorah
Wednesday in the IKEA Courtyard at the Media City Center Mall. The
festivities will include traditional food and entertainment.
"It is a holiday replete with traditions, with displays of Jewish
pride and unity," said Chabad of Burbank Rabbi Shmuly Kornfeld.
The holiday began in 165 B.C., when the Jews defeated the Syrian
tyrant Antiochus. After three years of battle, the Jews reclaimed their
synagogue in Israel and their freedom of worship.
According to legend, when it came to rededicating the temple there was
only enough oil for one night, but miraculously the lamp lasted eight
nights -- thus the eight nights of Hanukkah and the lighting of the
menorah.
At Temple Beth Emet, a Hanukkah celebration was held Dec. 16, when
more than 100 members of the congregation enjoyed food and fun. On
Friday, the temple will hold Hanukkah services, said Ian Kranitz,
marketing director for the temple.
"It's a nice holiday for the children," Kranitz said.
BOX
Hanukkah Events
Dec. 27
* Chabad of Burbank will host a giant menorah lighting ceremony at the
Media City Center at the IKEA Courtyard. The ceremony will begin at 6
p.m. and is free to the public. For more information, call 954-0070.
Friday * Temple Beth Emet will hold Hanukkah services at 7:30 p.m.
at the temple, 600 N. Buena Vista St. For more information, call
843-4787.
* Temple Emanu El will hold a Hanukkah dinner at 5:45 p.m. at the
temple, 1302 N. Glenoaks Blvd. Cost to attend the dinner is $18 for
adults and children age 12 and under pay $10. For more information, call
845-1734.
* Congregation Hugat Haverim will hold Hanukkah celebration at a
private home. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a menorah candle
lighting and pot luck dinner. Reform Shabbat Services will follow at 7:30
p.m. It is open to the public. For more information, call 243-3769.
