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Happy Holidays 2006

Hanukkah's here with warmth, cheer

By MICHELLE JONES
Published December 16, 2006

NEW PORT RICHEY - Hanukkah is in full swing, and area synagogues are offering activities, including a menorah lighting at a supermarket.

The festivities continue at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Publix at Chelsea Place Shopping Center in New Port Richey.

"The Festival of Lights (another name for Hanukkah) for many brings back fond memories of childhood years and serves to renew our sense of identity," said Rabbi Yossi Eber of the Chabad Jewish Center of West Pasco, the sponsor of the lighting. "The Hanukkah lights provide us with warmth, joy, strength and inspiration. Such is the purpose of the communitywide celebration."

Eber also said Hanukkah, which began at sundown Friday, enriches lives with the light of tradition.

"In ancient times our ancestors rededicated the Temple in Jerusalem with the menorah," he said. "Today, we dedicate ourselves to making this world a better and brighter place."

The free celebration features hot potato latkes, doughnuts, Hanukkah gelt (chocolate coins wrapped in gold) and music.

Other celebrations include the following:

- At 5 p.m. today, the second night of the eight-night celebration, a 10-foot menorah will be lit at Beth-El Shalom Messianic Congregation, 6209 Congress St. in New Port Richey. A children's party at 3:30 p.m. will offer kids the chance to decorate menorahs, play games, hear stories and paint dreidels, the four- sided spinning tops used during Hanukkah celebrations.

- In Tarpon Springs, Menorah Madness is scheduled from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at Congregation B'Nai Emmunah, a Reform Jewish synagogue at 3374 Keystone Road. A short service will be followed by a potluck dinner and music by the Pittard family. Families are encouraged to bring their menorahs and candles.

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Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem when only one flask of oil was found to light the original seven-branched menorah. The flask contained enough for one day, yet the candelabra burned for eight days.

A special nine-branched candelabra has been brought into being for Hanukkah celebrations and is called the Hanukkiah in Hebrew. The ninth cup holds a service candle that lights each of the eight candles, one at a time, during each evening of Hanukkah.

During the celebration, family and friends come together to light the candles, sing and eat. Children also receive presents, including gelt.

Holiday foods include latkes, or fried potato pancakes dipped in apple sauce or sour cream. Jelly doughnuts covered with powdered sugar or cinnamon also are popular.

[Last modified December 15, 2006, 20:12:59]