Congregation Beth Shalom invites you to Celebrate the LIGHT during this darkest time of the year. Followed by a Live Concert 6 – 7pm Klezmer, Chasidic Rock and Jam FREE event for all ages – Rain or Shine Chanukah, meaning “dedication” is an 8-day Jewish holiday that celebrates religious freedom; it dates back to more than 2,175 years ago. The main observance of the holiday is the lighting of candles shortly after sunset. The tradition is to light the Chanukiah, or Chanukah Menorah (candelabrum), to publicize the miraculous story of the re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabees. According to the Talmud, a small jar of oil, with only enough oil for one night, lasted eight days allowing for new consecrated oil to be prepared for the Temple’s Menorah. The holiday is also known as the Festival of Lights. The holiday follows the ancient Hebrew lunar calendar and this year starts on Tuesday December 12th and the last night will be Tuesday night December 19th. Chanukah always coincides with the new moon falling near the winter solstice. According to Rabbi Shalom Bochner, who serves as the spiritual leader for the congregation, “We celebrate Chanukah at the darkest nights of the year, literally, by adding more light. We are delighted to travel all over the region to let Jews and non-Jews experience this sweet and ancient holiday. Chanukah is just a minor holiday, but it has a wonderful positive message of hope for everyone.”
Contact :	Congregation Beth Shalom
Phone :	(209) 571-6060
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Web Site :	www.cbsmodesto.org