Festival of Lights is Dec. 7

HANUKKAH

On Thursday, Dec. 7, at 4:30 p.m. at Veterans Plaza, Rabbi Aron David Berkowitz of the Chabad of West Orange County will share the story of Hanukkah and its meaning for Jew and Gentile alike.

Musical entertainment will help celebrate the Festival of Lights prior to lighting the menorah. It is an opportunity for the LW community, rich in culture and customs, to learn and share in the joy of this beautiful festival.

The holiday celebrates the Jews defeating Syrian-Greek oppressors who had tried forcing them to abandon their religion and adopt Greek culture.

The story has it that, led by Judah Maccabee, they recaptured the holy temple in Jerusalem. Arriving there, they found only enough olive oil to light candles for one night. The miracle of Hannukah is it lasted for eight nights, thus the eight-branch candelabra known as the menorah.

Kosher refreshments will be provided, courtesy of OptumCare. People are invited to enjoy a nosh and say hello to the HealthCare Center team.

In 1984, Rabbi Berkowitz started Chabad of West Orange County to serve as a traditional synagogue and outreach center in the Huntington Beach area. For the last 37 years, Rabbi Berkowitz served as the director and Rabbi of Chabad of West Orange County and Congregation Adat Israel.

The congregation has developed an extensive adult education program. When the Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) opened some 20 years ago, Rabbi Berkowitz introduced the JLI to Orange County, teaching the courses in various cities throughout the county. He is an accomplished musician and the son of Holocaust survivors.

For more information, contact mayokab@ lwsb. com or call 562-431-6586, ext. 476.

GRF's menorah, which is lit up at an annual ceremony in Veterans Plaza.