Local Jewish organizations plan Hanukkah events

December 15, 2006

By KATHY MILLEN staff writer

More than 2,000 years ago, the Holy Land was ruled by the Syrian-Greeks who sought to forcefully Hellenize the people of Israel. A small band of Jews defeated the mighty army, driving it from the land and reclaiming the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

The Jews sought to light the Temple's menorah, but found only a day's supply of oil that had escaped contamination. Yet that small supply oil burned for eight days until new oil could be prepared under conditions of ritual purity.

Jennifer Fogel, from left, Yisroel Goldstein, 1, and Dylan Janczak, right, prepare for Hanukkah by making menorah-shaped cookies during a youth group activity held by Chabad of Naperville Monday. The Jewish organization holds events at the Naperville home of its director, Rabbi Mendy Goldstein. (Jonathan Miano / Staff photographer)

Hanukkah, the eight-day festival of light that commemorates this miracle, is a time of year when members of the Jewish community look to connect with their spiritual side, according to Rabbi Mendy Goldstein, director of Chabad of Naperville, a branch of a global organization designed to bring people closer to Judaism.

Chabad of Naperville and Congregation Beth Shalom are holding several events in celebration of Hanukkah, which begins at sundown today with the lighting of the first of eight candles. Goldstein said Hanukkah is a time to bring light to the world and for people to do acts of goodness and kindness.

"It's a time for everybody to increase in lightness," said Goldstein, of Naperville. " ... These days the menorah represents more of a universal message to everyone. We try to create new ideas so people should get involved and feel comfortable in what they are doing. Our goal is that people should get involved where they feel comfortable. ... What we at Chabad are trying to do is to try all different angles where people should be able to practice Judaism. People should be able to express their religious freedom and get more involved and get more in touch and add more light to themselves and add more light to the world in general."

The following are some of the events scheduled to take place during Hanukkah:

• Sunday: Chabad of Naperville will hold a Hanukkah celebration at 2 p.m. in front of Macy's in the Westfield Fox Valley. The event will include the lighting of the menorah, music, a raffle and doughnuts.

• Monday: Members of the Jewish community and Chabad of Naperville will visit Mayor George Pradel at the Naperville Municipal Building at 11 a.m.
• Chabad of Naperville will hold a Jewish story time for moms and children ages 1-5, at 10 a.m. at Barnes & Noble, 47 E. Chicago Ave. The event will include Hanukkah stories and crafts. To register, e-mail alta@chabadnaperville.com.

• Wednesday : Chabad of Naperville will hold a Grand Hanukkah celebration at 5 p.m. at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott, located at the corner of Diehl and Winfield Roads, Warrenville. The event will include a magic show, a Hanukkah craft, hot dogs, latkes, a raffle and menorah lighting. Admission is $8 per person or $35 per family. A sponsorship is $100. For reservations call 630-689-1387 or visit www.chabadnaperville.com.

• Thursday : The Jewish Women's Circle will hold "The Feminine Side of Hanukkah" at 7:30 p.m. at Chabad of Naperville, 116 S. Birchwood Drive. The event includes a celebration of the miracle of the oil by learning the art of herbal oil blending and bottling and explores the significance of women and oil in the Hanukkah miracle. Women will create a fragrant herbal oil and vinegar bottle and socialize over latkes, doughnuts and other Hanukkah foods. Suggested donation is $10. Call 630-689-1387 or e-mail jewishwoman@chabadnaperville.com.

Contact staff writer Kathy Millen at 630-416-5204 or at kmillen@scn1.com /a> /a> /a>