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16 | OHCC LIVING | DECEMBER 2020 | Just in case: Check with your club contact to confirm meeting place, date, and time. Yiddish Club Close your eyes for a moment and allow the memories of Chanukah to delight you! We remember the aroma of potato latkes frying in the kitchen, the lighting of the menorah candles, the numerous gifts we received as children, of course, and the Chanukah gelt (chocolate coins) given to us by our parents. What is the historic meaning of the Chanukah (also spelled Hanukkah) holiday? It is also called the Festival of Lights, and one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays. This festive eight-day celebration brings light, joy, and warmth to our homes and our communities as we celebrate with lighting of candles, food, family, and friends. Chanukah means "dedication" in Hebrew and commemorates the victory of a small group of Jewish rebels (led by Judah Maccabee and his brothers, collectively known as "the Maccabees") over the armies of Syria in 165 B.C.E., and the subsequent liberation and "rededication" of the Temple in Jerusalem. Much of the Chanukah celebration takes place at home. Essential to the holiday is the lighting of the "hanukkiah" or menorah, an eight-branched candelabrum to which one candle is added on each night with the "shamash" or attendant candle, until the menorah is ablaze with nine candles on the eighth night. In commemoration of the legendary cruse of oil, it is traditional to eat foods fried in oil. The most familiar Chanukah foods are the European (Ashkenazi) potato pancakes, or "latkes," and the Israeli favorite, jelly donuts, or "sufganiyot." Children play special games by spinning a "dreidel" and singing Chanukah songs. I've included some of the lyrics of one of the most popular Chanukah songs: Chanukah, oh Chanukah, come light the menorah Chanukah, oh Chanukah, come light the menorah Gather 'round the table and let's have a treat Happy songs we'll sing, and latkes we'll eat And while we are singing The candles are burning bright One for each night, they shed a sweet light And remind us of days long ago.... Adam Sandler, the actor, composed a more humorous version of the Chanukah song: Put on your yarmulke Here comes Chanukah So much funukah To celebrate Chanukah Chanukah is the festival of lights Instead of one day of presents, we have eight crazy nights.... This year our family celebrations will be smaller. Unfortunately, we will also miss our wonderful deli luncheon and entertainment, which usually takes place in December. Let's keep our spirits shining brightly, as we hope to unite again for future celebrations! ~ Elaine Massei