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| OHCC LIVING | DECEMBER 2023 | 39 Yiddish Club As we approach the holiday season, the festival of Hanukkah is the holiday that has great significance for many of us. is year, as we continue to follow the war for survival in Israel, we remember the victorious struggle for survival of Judah Maccabee and his soldiers over the powerful army of the Syrian king, Antiochus. Hanukkah means "dedication" in Hebrew, and commemorates the victory of the Maccabees in 165 B.C.E., and the subsequent liberation and "rededication" of the Temple in Jerusalem. It is a Hanukkah tradition to light candles of the "hanukkiah" (an eight-branched candelabrum oen referred to as a "menorah") for eight nights to commemorate this victory, and to remember the miracle of the oil burning in the Temple that lasted eight days. Every year this festive celebration brings light, joy and warmth to our homes and our communities. In remembrance of the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days, we light the eight Hanukkah candles. We light the candles with an extra candle called the "shamash" that usually stands higher than the others. We light one candle on the first night, two on the second, and three on the third, until the eighth night when the menorah is ablaze with candles. is year Hanukkah candles will be lit in the shadow of the terror and the heartbreaking pictures of Oct. 7. We will light the menorah and look to the light as a powerful metaphor for strength, solidarity and resolve. (Traditional Hanukkah song) Hanukkah, oh Hanukkah, Come light the menorah… And while we are singing e candles are burning bright One for each night, they shed a sweet light And remind us of days long ago… … and days right here in 2023. Yiddish Club looks forward to the Dec. 17 deli luncheon to bring our Club together and share our hopes and wishes for a more peaceful world! Our next general meeting will be held on Mon., Feb, 26, 2024, so please mark your calendars. Details will follow. If you are not receiving Yiddish Club emails, please contact Carole Silverman at (H) 760-295-0606 or (C) 818-613-1306. Written by Felicity Swerdlow, Yiddish Club Board Member