Members of the local Jewish community ate latkes (potato pancakes) and doughnuts at a Hanukah party at Thornton Wilder Auditorium hosted by the Chabad of Hamden.
The party followed the Chabad's 12th annual Menorah Lighting ceremony at Freedom Park Sunday, two days after the Jewish holiday, Hanukah, began.
Advertisement
AOT 2007
Hanukah is the annual festival celebrated on eight consecutive days, beginning at sundown. The first day of Hanukah was Dec. 15.
The holiday also is known as the Festival of Lights, Feast of Dedication, and Feast of the Maccabees. It is based on the destruction of the Jewish holy temple in 165 B.C. , recounted in the Books of the Maccabees.
Judah Maccabee and his followers attempted to repair the damage. When they had finished, the Maccabees held a dedication ceremony, where they lit a golden menorah.
They found enough oil to light the menorah for one day; however, the oil lasted for eight days.
Today, Jewish families everywhere celebrate Hanukah for eight days by lighting candles in a menorah every night at sundown, thus commemorating the eight-day miracle.
Mayor Craig Henrici and Town Planner Leslie Creane were among town officials who honored this tradition.
Rabbi Menachem Piekarski of the Chabad led participants in a blessing before turning on three lights, including the middle light, of the white-painted, wooden menorah.
"The lights of the menorah overcome the darkness," Piekarski said.
Every year the Hamden synagogue hosts the party with featured activities, according to Piekarski's wife, Myriam.
The ceremony was formerly held at the Hamden Mart on Dixwell Avenue before moving to Freedom Park on the corner of Whitney and Dixwell Avenues.
Although there were a few familiar faces, Myriam said she was excited to see new families.
This year, the Chabad enlisted help from Steve Max of the "Simon Sez Show." Max, also of the Jewish faith, performs 300 "Simon Sez Shows" a year, all over the country at schools, companies, and National Basketball Association games, he said.
"There is nothing like playing 'Simon Says' in front of 18,000 people," he said.
Piekarski said he learned of Max's show through colleagues. Last year, the Chabad held a game show.
Over the years, Max said he learned to say "hands on head," in more than 35 languages.
"The best 'Simon Says' players are those who listen," he said.
Parents, grandparents and children all participated in the game. Although the women beat the men, Max said "everyone is a 'Simon Says' champion."
The Queen hit, "Champion," played as the game came to an end.
Pierkarski said the Chabad tries to do different activities every year.
The Chabad of Hamden is located on 17 Park Ave. For more information call 248-9492.
The party followed the Chabad's 12th annual Menorah Lighting ceremony at Freedom Park Sunday, two days after the Jewish holiday, Hanukah, began.
Advertisement
AOT 2007
Hanukah is the annual festival celebrated on eight consecutive days, beginning at sundown. The first day of Hanukah was Dec. 15.
The holiday also is known as the Festival of Lights, Feast of Dedication, and Feast of the Maccabees. It is based on the destruction of the Jewish holy temple in 165 B.C. , recounted in the Books of the Maccabees.
Judah Maccabee and his followers attempted to repair the damage. When they had finished, the Maccabees held a dedication ceremony, where they lit a golden menorah.
They found enough oil to light the menorah for one day; however, the oil lasted for eight days.
Today, Jewish families everywhere celebrate Hanukah for eight days by lighting candles in a menorah every night at sundown, thus commemorating the eight-day miracle.
Mayor Craig Henrici and Town Planner Leslie Creane were among town officials who honored this tradition.
Rabbi Menachem Piekarski of the Chabad led participants in a blessing before turning on three lights, including the middle light, of the white-painted, wooden menorah.
"The lights of the menorah overcome the darkness," Piekarski said.
Every year the Hamden synagogue hosts the party with featured activities, according to Piekarski's wife, Myriam.
The ceremony was formerly held at the Hamden Mart on Dixwell Avenue before moving to Freedom Park on the corner of Whitney and Dixwell Avenues.
Although there were a few familiar faces, Myriam said she was excited to see new families.
This year, the Chabad enlisted help from Steve Max of the "Simon Sez Show." Max, also of the Jewish faith, performs 300 "Simon Sez Shows" a year, all over the country at schools, companies, and National Basketball Association games, he said.
"There is nothing like playing 'Simon Says' in front of 18,000 people," he said.
Piekarski said he learned of Max's show through colleagues. Last year, the Chabad held a game show.
Over the years, Max said he learned to say "hands on head," in more than 35 languages.
"The best 'Simon Says' players are those who listen," he said.
Parents, grandparents and children all participated in the game. Although the women beat the men, Max said "everyone is a 'Simon Says' champion."
The Queen hit, "Champion," played as the game came to an end.
Pierkarski said the Chabad tries to do different activities every year.
The Chabad of Hamden is located on 17 Park Ave. For more information call 248-9492.
No comments:
Post a Comment