Celebrate Hanukkah in New JerseyInformation and events on celebrating 2009 Hanukkah in NJ. Hannukkah is an Eight Day Jewish Festival Also known as the "Festival of Lights" |
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| Hanukkah, the Hebrew word for dedication, commemorates the rededication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem which was vandalized after the Greek King of Syria forbade the Jews from worshipping or practicing many of their faith's rituals. The temple was reclaimed after a battle with the Syrian army for eight days and nights in 165 B.C. | |
This year the eight day Jewish festival of lights runs from December 11 - 18, 2009, and is celebrated by the lighting of the menorah.
Each night of the festival of lights, another light on the menorah is lit until all eight lamps shine on the eighth night. Hanukkah is also a joyful celebration, especially for children. After lighting the Hanukkah candles together, families and invited guests will eat and play games. Traditional Hanukkah food is oil-rich in commemoration of the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days. Potato pancakesare a Hanukkah favorite. Israelis eat Hanukkah doughnuts called soofganiot. Dreidel (sivovon in Hebrew) is a traditional Hanukkah game, with game rules so simple that the whole family, from toddlers to grandparents can play together. The custom of giving Hanukkah gelt (money) to children has evolved into a gift-giving tradition in many Jewish families today. | |
| Note: The 2009 Hanukkah stamp is now available at all post offices. The Hanukkah stamp design features a photograph of a menorah with nine lit candles. The menorah was designed by Lisa Regan of the Garden Deva Sculpture Company and photographed by Ira Wexler an award-winning advertising photographer. This year is the 14th year the USPS has issued a Hanukkah stamp. | |
According to the Talmud, at the re-dedication of the temple, there was only enough consecrated olive oil to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, which was the length of time it took to press, prepare and consecrate fresh olive oil.Celebrations of 2009 Hanukkah in New Jersey |
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| Menorah Lighting Ceremonies December 13, 2009 |
6:30 PM at Riley Park, Main St. 5 pm at the Community Sign on Skyline Drive |
Menorah Lighting Ceremonies December 14, 2009 |
5 PM, Downtown Freehold 6pm, Rain or shine, Palmer Square North Plaza (in front of Mediterra) Palmer Square Celebrates Chanukah! Annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony, 6:30pm in front of Town Hall. Reception to follow inside Council Chambers |
