More feasting: Hanukkah comes on the heels of Thanksgiving

Judy Odierna

Friday, Nov. 29, 2002 | 11:09 a.m.

Shoshana Segelstein of Rafi's Catering didn't have much of a relaxing Thanksgiving.

Segelstein spent much of her turkey day grating potatoes to make latkes for several Hanukkah celebrations that begin tonight at sundown.

"It's a crazy weekend with one on top of the other," Segelstein said.

For the first time since 1975 the Jewish Festival of Lights landed on the day after Thanksgiving.

Robert Mirisch, executive director of Temple Beth Sholom, said the rare coincidence is something to be celebrated.

"Some people find it a wonderful convergence that the Shabbat, Hanukkah and Thanksgiving all fall within 24 hours," Mirisch said. "It's rare but rather than look at it as a problem we look at it as something wonderful."

Hanukkah means "dedication" and commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by foreign forces. After the temple was reclaimed it needed to be rededicated, however, only one jar of sacramental oil was found and it was supposed to only last for one day. The oil wound burned for eight days, which the Jewish people considered a miracle, and why Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days.

A Las Vegas-style Hanukkah celebration will take place at 4 p.m. on Sunday with a 20 foot menorah at the Fremont Street Experience

"I think it is interesting because it gives people an extra day off and allows them to go form one holiday that gives thanks to a Jewish Thanksgiving," said Rabbi Shea Harlig, with Chabad of southern Nevada. "Because we give thanks to the miracle that happened, when the Jewish people were able to overcome the enemies that suppressed them from practicing Judaism."

But shop owner Helen Edell, who sells Judaic products at her store Alligator Soup, says people were having trouble getting into Hanukkah when they weren't past Thanksgiving yet.

"It is slower this year because of it," Edell said. "Wednesday we had a lot of out-of-towners buying gifts for the family they are visiting in Las Vegas. I believe today the locals may dash in for candles, dreidels, menorahs and other little things."