Dear Readers,
The first Hanukkah candle is lit this year on the evening of Sunday, December 22, which means of course, the fourth will be lit on Christmas.
While some might say that the Jewish holiday’s overlap with the most major of Christian days might result in less attention paid to Hanukkah, others may argue that it will have increased celebration time since school’s not in session and the rush to get through each night won’t be as intense. I vote for the latter.
One thing for certain, celebrating this rather minor holiday gets easier each year— with more events, films, music, stuff to purchase, and crafts to make.
For example, on page 21, Shalom Tidewater has compiled a list of Hanukkah events taking place in Tidewater. Latkepalooza on Sunday, December 15 at the Sandler Family Campus, will be one Hanukkah celebration for the books! (Pun intended, as three children’s book authors are part of the festivities.)
The article on page 16 about latkes is dripping with fun—not oil. Everyone has their own method of cooking, as you’ll read.
We have articles about staying safe and preventing fires (page 20) and about Hanukkah films to watch (page 26).
Other articles suggest alternatives for ways to celebrate and observe the eight nights.
Whether your tradition of Hanukkah is big or small, all of us at Jewish News hope that your holiday is filled with plenty of light, health, happiness, and, mostly, peace.
Happy Hanukkah!
Terri Denison
Editor