On Wednesday 14 December there will be a lighting ceremony of the menorah at 17:00 in front of the Hartley Library, there is no need to book and all staff and students are welcome to come along to the ceremony, which will include doughnuts being handed out.
There is also a Hanukkah party on Saturday 17 December 2022, a free event open to all staff, students and their families.
Hanukkah (Chanukah), also known as the ‘Festival of Lights’, is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the Jewish Temple of Jerusalem during the second century BCE.
Hanukkah starts on the 25 Kislev in the Hebrew calendar. In the Western calendar, this falls in November/December. This year, the festival falls on the 18 December until the 26 December.
People celebrate Hanukkah by lighting candles on a menorah (a nine branched candlestick) as a reminder of the holy lamp staying lit for eight days despite having only enough oil for one night. Each night, an additional candle is lit and many families sing Hanukkah songs after the lighting.
Because Hanukkah celebrates the miracle of the oil, it is traditional to eat fried foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (donuts) during the holiday.
“Hanukkah is the Jewish festival of light. It commemorates two special miracles that happened more than two thousand years ago in Jerusalem. For me, Hanukkah is a reminder that the miracle of light is always within people’s heart, so the festival’s question is: what is your wonder, what is your talent? What are your hopes for the next year?”
– Dr Gil Dekel, E-Learning Technician
Get involved: Join the Hanukkah Party on Saturday 17 December 2022 from 15:00-17:00.
Open to all staff, students and their families.
Dr Gil Dekel will share the story of Hanukkah – the Jewish festival celebrating light over darkness. Light refreshment will be provided and art activities will be held for children.
Find out more about the Hanukkah Party and book your free place.
