Community Corner

Beth El Celebrates the First Night Of Hanukkah

The festival of lights remembers the fight for religious freedom.

The rain and wind Wednesday night brought the first night of the celebration of Hanukkah indoors but it did little to dampen the festive spirits of the children and adults who packed the sanctuary of the Beth El Temple Center for the lighting of the first candle on the holiday chanukiah.

Led by Rabbi Jonathan Kraus and Cantor Geoffrey Fine, the congregation sang holiday songs and read the shorter version of the tale of how in 170 B.C.E. a group of Jews led by Mattathias' son, Judah Maccebee, defeated the forces of Antiochus to free the land of Israel and rededicate the Temple.

See the video of the ceremony at Beth El on this page.

Find out what's happening in Belmontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Kraus told the worshipers that while many first think of wrapping paper and bows when thinking about Hanukkah, the holiday's translated name provides a clue to the true meaning of the festival.

"Hanukkah means dedication," said Kraus, a dedication of a small group of fighters that fought for their people's freedoms to live how they wanted and worship the way they wished. 

Find out what's happening in Belmontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The word is also associated with the rededication of the Temple, violated by the Greek/Syrian invaders. 

"And so it is during this season that we can rededicate ourselves," said Kraus.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Belmont