TRAVERSE CITY - Hanukkah begins this Wednesday, marking the beginning of the eight-day Jewish holiday that celebrates the miracles it took to beat the Greek army after they tried destroying the Jewish Temple. The lighting of the menorah remembers the miracle of the candle that lasted eight days.
Hanukkah recognizes adding light back into the world. Each night, another candle is ignited until the menorah is fully lit. The Jewish community in northern Michigan is celebrating in Traverse City on Dec. 26 at the menorah in the square at the Rotary Square at 5 p.m.
The event will feature dancing, doughnuts, the history of the holiday and the lighting of the menorah. The menorah will be made out of donated canned goods, and everyone is welcome to join in even if you’re not Jewish.
“So a lot of times when people are specially celebrating Hanukkah with their family and friends, a lot of times we could we just get busy. And it’s very important to make sure that we have those in mind that are less fortunate than ourselves in general. All Jewish holidays, we really kind of focus, i think almost every holiday there’s a certain focus, everyone a different way to focus on actually helping those in need and those that are less fortunate,” said Rabbi Laibel Shemtov.
The canned goods donated will be brought to local food shelters after the event, and if you are looking to donate you can do so at the Chabad Jewish Community Center.
