Hanukkah 2012 in Mendham and Chester

This year, Hanukkah begins on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 8, and ends a week later on Sunday, Dec. 16.

According to Chabad.org, Hanukkah starts on the Hebrew calendar date of 25 Kislev and lasts for eight days. For those of us who aren't attuned to the Jewish calendar, that translates to sundown on Saturday, Dec. 8. 

The Chabad Jewish Center is inviting the entire community to celebrate Hanukkah at a public ICE Menorah lighting ceremony. The event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 9 at 6:00 p.m. at the Gazebo Park on Main Street in Chester. Folks who arrive early will be able to see its carving.

After the lighting, attendees are invited for latkes, sufganiot, Hanukkah arts & crafts, live music, raffles and more.

There will also be a children's Hanukkah story hour, led by Fraida Shusterman, at the Chester Library on Dec. 7 at 10:30 a.m.

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the story of the Maccabean Revolt against Syrian rulers in present day Israel 2,300 years ago. The Maccabees wanted to rededicate Jerusalem's main temple but had only enough oil to kindle the Eternal Light for one day. The oil lasted for eight days, according to the story, and the holiday of Hanukkah was born.

Today, Jews generally celebrate by gathering together with family, lighting one candle on the menorah each of the eight nights, playing dreidel and eating special holiday foods such as potato latkes and babka.

TELL US: If you observe Hanukkah, what are your plans?