Sunday at sundown marked the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, and St. Michael’s church in Lihu‘e was brimming with merriment as The Jewish Community of Kaua‘i celebrated the start of the eight-day “Festival of Lights” in style. Hanukkah
Sunday at sundown marked the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, and St. Michael’s church in Lihu‘e was brimming with merriment as The Jewish Community of Kaua‘i celebrated the start of the eight-day “Festival of Lights” in style.
Hanukkah traditionally honors the triumph at the Holy Temple in Jerusalem over the Selucuids, whose tyrant emperor dramatically tried to suppress Jewish customs.
“The holiday is unlike other holidays because it commemorates a military victory,” said Marty Kahn, President of The Jewish Community of Kaua‘i on Sunday. “Antiochus wanted all the people to follow his principles so there wouldn’t be trouble in the land. People were forced upon death to convert and the Holy Temple was defiled.”
Needless to say, a small band of Jewish rebels formed, the Maccabees, who rose up against the mighty army and were victorious three years later.
Following the reclamation of the Jewish faith, the story goes that there was only enough oil to light the candle of the Holy Temple for one day, but, instead it miraculously burned for eight nights. Thus, the reason for celebrating eight days of Hanukkah.
“The light that burned in the temple represented the eternal light, or the divine presence; it represents enlightenment and knowledge over the power of darkness,” said Kahn in regards to the customary lighting of the Menorah. “Every day we light a new candle until the eighth day, when all the candles are lit.”
When asked why there is sometimes a ninth candle present in the Menorah, he explained, “The ninth candle is called the ‘shamash’ and it means ‘policeman,’ the important guy that takes care of the other eight candles.”
Because of the significant role that oil played in the story, it is also customary to serve foods that have been fried in oil, and dinner Sunday night was no exception. Catered by Sandy Jennings of Fresh From the Garden, a traditional Jewish feast was presented, including homemade latkes (fried potato pancakes) with apple sauce.
Also keeping with tradition, boxes of colorful dreidels — four-sided spinning tops with Hebrew letters on each side — were present.
Dale Rosenfeld, Vice President of The Jewish Community of Kaua‘i, says that the game is typically played with chocolates and is enjoyed by the children after dinner.
“Hanukkah is actually considered one of the least religious holidays,” said Dr. Lucy Miller of Lihu‘e, one of the approximately 100 celebrants in attendance, including visitors to the island. “Even though there is a service involved, it’s really more of a celebration.”
Kahn agreed and added, “St. Michael’s has been gracious to us all this time for allowing us monthly shabbat services and a place to celebrate Hanukkah and the high holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.”
To help permeate the holiday spirit, next Saturday night, The Jewish Community of Kaua‘i will be at Regency at Pu‘ake‘a Retirement Community, delivering cards created by the keikis of the Sunday School program and making latkes for the residents.
The community will also be delivering toys, which were donated Sunday evening, to the homeless children of Kaua‘i at the upcoming KEO Christmas Dinner.
Chabad Kaua‘i, another Jewish group on the island, will be hosting a Menorah-lighting ceremony and a memorial for the victims of the recent attacks in Mumbai, India at the Kukui Grove mall, starting at 5 p.m. this Sunday, the last night of Hanukkah.
For more information about The Jewish Community of Kaua‘i and to learn of upcoming events, go to www.jewishcommunityofkauai.org. For more information on Chabad Kaua‘i, go to www.jewishkauai.org
• Coco Zickos, business writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or czickos@kauaipubco.com
