With the Jewish festival of Chanukah taking place in December, we spoke to BU’s Jewish faith advisor, Rabbi Bentzion Alperowitz to learn more about this important celebration.
In addition to this, Chabad of Bournemouth and BU invite you to a menorah lighting on Monday 11 December at 4pm, in Poole House Atrium. Doughnuts, chocolate gelt and hot latkes will be available to anyone who wishes to come along.
Chanukah is a Jewish eight-day festival, also known as the Festival of Lights. It commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem during the second century BCE.
The story behind Chanukah revolves around the miraculous events that unfolded when a small group of Jewish warriors, known as the Maccabees, defeated the mighty Greek army. After their victory, they found the Temple desecrated, and only one small jar of pure oil remained to light the Menorah (candelabrum). Though the oil was only sufficient for one day, it miraculously burned for eight days, allowing the Maccabees to prepare new oil.
Every year, we commemorate these miracles by lighting an eight-branched candelabra, known as a Menorah or Chanukia. The flickering candles serve as a beacon of hope, resilience, and faith, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, miracles can occur. With each passing night, we add another flame to the menorah, symbolising the need to always increase in light. Chanukah serves as a reminder of the triumph of light over darkness, freedom over oppression, and spirituality over materialism.
During Chanukah, families and communities to come together, celebrating the miracle of the oil and the strength of the Jewish spirit. It is a time to reflect on the values of freedom, tolerance, and religious expression. In addition to the Menorah lighting, the festival is marked by playing the dreidel (a spinning top), enjoying traditional foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts), and exchanging gifts.
Here in Bournemouth, Chabad arranges various Menorah lighting events each year which are open to the public. Chanukah starts on the eve of 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. On the first night, there will be a Giant Menorah lighting event near Bournemouth Pier. On Monday 11 December, there will be a Menorah lighting event in Poole House Atrium at 4pm; doughnuts, chocolate gelt and hot latkes will be available to anyone who wishes to come along. Other Public Menorahs will be on display at various locations around Bournemouth for the duration of Chanukah.
