The Sunnyvale Sun
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Festival of Lights celebrates Jewish miracle
By Lydia Sarraille
Whether it's a single candle or 100 electric bulbs, the holidays are traditionally a time when lights brighten the darkness of winter. During the Jewish holiday of Chanukah, the concept of light penetrating the darkness of the world is a major focus.
Otherwise known as the Festival of Lights, Chanukah celebrates a miracle that occurred after the victory of the Jews, led by the Maccabees, over King Antiochus IV of Syria, who outlawed the Jewish religion in approximately 164 B.C.E.
Rabbi Yisroel Hecht, director of Chabad of Sunnyvale, said understanding the story of Chanukah is the key to understanding the holiday's message.
"A lot of the beauty of this story is that you have people fighting for their religious freedom against insurmountable odds and still coming out on top," Hecht said.
According to the story, the Maccabees defeated Antiochus and sought to reclaim the temple in Jerusalem that their enemies had desecrated. Their first step was to light the temple's menorah, a sacred eight-armed candelabra, which is supposed to symbolize the burning bush seen by Moses.
According to the Talmud, only special oil that had been blessed could be burned in the menorah, and only one jar of this oil remained. Despite the fact that the oil should have been enough to light the menorah for only a single day, the supply miraculously lasted for eight.
In Sunnyvale and Cupertino, two branches of the international Jewish organization Chabad-Lubavitch celebrated Chanukah with public menorah lightings on Dec. 17.
According to the Chabad website, more than 11,000 large public menorahs were lit this year by Chabad groups all over the world.
Rabbi Reuvan Goldstein, director of Chabad of Cupertino, said he feels Chanukah provides an opportunity for Jews to spread hope and kindness to the rest of the world, and public ceremonies help do just that.
"The idea that a little light can repel a lot of darkness is one that is fundamental to Chanukah," Goldstein said. "The idea is that you place your light in a place where it can be seen to send a message."
Chanukah officially began on the 25th day of Kislev, according to the Hebrew calendar. This means when Chanukah occurs in the Gregorian calendar varies.
This year, the holiday's eight-day celebration began at sundown Dec. 15 and will end at sunset Dec. 23.
Hecht said Chanukah's message of community fits perfectly with the mission of Chabad.
"We try to focus on community events, like the public menorah lighting, as a way of bringing people together through faith," Hecht said.
Hecht said in a press release that the current state of world affairs makes the message of Chanukah especially poignant.
"Chanukah reminds us that a little light can defeat an empire of darkness," Hecht said. "Human goodness can defy terror and brute force, and life and spiritual vitality can overcome destruction."
Chabad of Sunnyvale's menorah lighting took place at Homestead Lanes bowling alley. A 6-foot menorah made of balloons was featured alongside traditional food and activities.
Chabad of Cupertino held its ceremony at Cali Mill Plaza for the third year. A juggler entertained the crowds, and participants decorated holiday cards and wrapped toys for a toy drive that benefits children at hospitals around the Bay Area.
Bob Sherbin, a congregant who attends both Chabad of Sunnyvale and Chabad of Cupertino, said he appreciates the public Chanukah ceremony and Chabad for helping him and his family to feel connected to their roots.
"Chabad helps Jews of all stripes feel connected to a larger community," Sherbin said. "That sense of community is, in a way, at its most vigorous and enjoyable during the holidays. The Chabad holiday events are always really incredible."
For more information about Chabad and local Chanukah events, visit www.chabadofcupertino.com or www.chabadsunnyvale.com.
