Some of the most special gifts Barbara Feldman received as a child came during Hanukkah, and she and her husband, Jack, always strove to make the eight days of Hanukkah a memorable time when their children were younger.
“Jack and I gave them presents every night,” said Feldman.
Those of the Jewish faith observe Hanukkah, sometimes spelled Chanukah, for eight days. This year, it will begin at sundown Nov. 28 and end at sundown, Dec. 6. The Jewish calendar is a lunisolar one; as such, dates of holidays fluctuate from year to year.
“This year, it’s really coming early,” said Rabbi Shai Beloosesky of Augusta’s Congregation Children of Israel.
The focus of Hanukkah is the miracle of the oil. During the temple rededication under Judah Maccabee, a small container of oil kept the lamps burning for eight days when it should’ve run out.
Beloosesky said there’s a special menorah called a Hanukkiah which has space for nine candles unlike the traditional menorah which holds seven. The candle at the center of the menorah is called the shammash or helper candle.
Light is an important symbol during winter as the hours of daylight becomes shorter, he said.
Each night, an additional candle is lit until the final night of Hanukkah when all of the candles are lit.
“I love lighting the candles and saying the special blessing,” said Feldman.
Blue and white are the traditional colors of Hanukkah, but Feldman said there are many beautiful candle colors available for Hanukkah. Menorahs come decorated in a variety of styles.
“For kids, they have baseball and basketball. All different designs,” she said.
Feldman also likes retelling the story of the miracle of Hanukkah as she passes on her heritage to her children and grandchildren.
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As with many other Jewish holidays, food is a focal point.
Beloosesky said Hanukkah foods aren’t typically eaten at other times of the year just as some people only bake a turkey at Thanksgiving.
Two of the more popular foods are latkes, which are potato pancakes, and sufganiyot, which are doughnuts.
Since oil is at the center of the miracle, these foods are cooked in oil.
“They are so good,” said Feldman of the latkes. “We have always had them with sour cream and applesauce.”
Traditional songs and the playing of the dreidel are other activities associated with Hanukkah.
At the Punshon house, they’ve incorporated a few extra traditions.
“We’re a mixed religion home,” said Jessica Punshon.
Not only do they cook latkes, light the Hanukkiah and say special prayers, but they have an elf on a shelf and a Hanukkah bear.
Gitzy the Hanukkah bear only comes out during the holidays, she said. He and his friend elf are not mischievous, but they do change positions overnight.
Punshon said she tried to separate the duo, but when her daughter was little, she became distressed that Gitzy went away for the elf to arrive so now the two stay out for the duration.
Hanukkah decorations are intermingled with Christmas ones. Blue and white lights go on one tree outside, while a Star of David and Hanukkah inspired lights go on the Christmas tree, she said.
A community menorah lighting is planned Nov. 29 at the Evans Towne Center Park. Sponsored by Chabad of Augusta, the event will include children’s activities at 5 p.m., followed by the lighting at 6 p.m.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
