Chanukah Isn't Jewish Christmas

Description of Chanukah, and how it differs from Christmas

(PRWEB) December 8, 2003 --Similar time of year. Both involve gifts. But the differences between Chanukah and Christmas go far deeper than blue and white vs. red and green.

The tradition of Chanukah dates back well before there was a Christmas... or Christians. The eight-day Jewish holiday celebration commemorates rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem in the Jewish year 3597 (165 BC). In fact, the word Chanukah" means dedication.

When Jews recaptured their Holy Temple from the Greeks, the first thing they did was re-light the golden Menorah... a symbolic, eternal light seen in synagogues today. They had only enough oil to burn one day; but, miraculously, the Menorah stayed lit for eight days. Today Jews light menorahs for eight days to recall this miracle, and be inspired by its message.

Though both holiday dates are close in 2003, Chanukah (its date set by the traditional Hebrew calendar) is frequently celebrated as early as November.

While Christians across America open gifts Christmas Eve and morning, Jews celebrate Chanukah by giving gifts for each of the eight days observance... usually small tokens (a toy dreidel top or a few coins), with the occasional big surprise.

Both holidays are a time when friends and families gather. In a relatively new community like Las Vegas, seniors who dont have local family or friends can lose their connection, become lonely and depressed. To keep that from happening in our Jewish community, Temple Beth Sholom's LDor VDor (a homebound senior outreach program) will celebrate its annual Chanukah gathering this year on Wednesday, December 10th, from 10:30AM to 1:00PM. The program is free for homebound seniors of any religious background, and courtesy transportation is provided, as needed. LDor VDor performs this mitzvah" (good deed) each Chanukah, and throughout the year.

Each of the holidays have a tradition of wonderful food, as well. Reknown chef Gustav Mahler will cook lunch for the seniors coming to December's LDor VDor, sure to include latkes, a potato pancake delicacy everyone loves.

Las Vegans, in Americas fastest growing Jewish community, know the holiday sprit at this time of year means a lot more than Santa at a shopping mall. The Chanukah celebration may not be as visible (or as commercial) as Christmas; but, it is every bit as traditional and meaningful.

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