Hanukkah, a season of lifting the spirit

Stacy J. Willis

Friday, Dec. 7, 2001 | 9:37 a.m.

Many of the nearly 80,000 Jewish residents of Southern Nevada will celebrate Hanukkah beginning Sunday night.

"Hanukkah celebrates the miracle of our existence. It is about Jewish survival," said Rabbi Felipe Goodman of Temple Beth Sholom, Las Vegas' largest conservative synagogue.

Hanukkah honors the Maccabees' victory over Antiochus of Syria about 2,300 years ago. The Maccabees were fighting for religious freedom and were willing to die to regain control of their temple, which had been invaded.

After they recaptured their temple, the Maccabees needed to cleanse and re-dedicate it by lighting a menorah candle -- but they only had enough oil left to burn for one day.

The oil, however, burned for eight days -- a miracle that Jews today commemorate by lighting a menorah in their homes or synagogues.

"We have to stay true to that message. It is a minor Jewish holiday, but it is significant because it reminds us of our will to survive as a people," Goodman said.

Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and Passover are considered more significant Jewish holidays, Goodman said.

"But the spirit of Hanukkah is important," he said.

"It is important for us to maintain our Jewish identity at this time of year, when everywhere we see reminders of Christianity."

In addition to lighting the menorah each day, Jews traditionally celebrate Hanukkah with special prayers, family games, gift-giving and holiday meals.

Traditional Hanukkah foods include potato latkes and jelly doughnuts.

"But the best way to remain Jewish is to keep kosher and learn the Torah," Goodman said.