Josee Wolff of Congregation Emmanuel in Kingston sings holiday prayers
while lighting
the traditional menorah as part of a Hanukkah event for all ages
held on Saturday
KINGSTON – Long before communities celebrated their festivals of
lights marking the holiday season, the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah was
dubbed the Festival of Lights.
That is because for eight nights, a candelabra called a menorah is lit
to symbolize the reason for the holiday.
Way back in history, enough oil was available to light a lamp for one
night, but it burned for eight.
Many families give their kids one present for every night of the holiday.
Other traditions include a game spinning a top called a “dreidel”
and being given chocolate covered “coins” called “gelt.”
This year, the holiday begins at sundown tonight.
