Tuesday at sundown marks the beginning of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights.
Jews will light candles on menorahs to celebrate the holiday in synagogues, their homes and at events such as the Menorah Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Augusta Common.
The event will feature the lighting of a 7-foot menorah, Hanukkah songs and greetings, a children's performance, gifts for children and potato latkes.
During the eight days of Hanukkah, a candle is lighted each day.
Hanukkah celebrates the victory of Jewish freedom fighters over Syrian Greek forces who tried to wipe out Judaism in the second century B.C., said David Sirull, the rabbi of Adas Yeshurun Synagogue.
"The message for today is that we must not be dismayed by the forces of evil that threaten our very existence for the light we spread will illuminate them as light does darkness," Rabbi Sirull said. "Also, as the Hanukkah candles burn brightly, our hope is that they will bring a new light to the homes of formerly unaffiliated and unconnected Jews.
Reach C. Samantha McKevie at (706) 823-3552 or samantha.mckevie@augustachronicle.com.
HANUKKAH EVENTS
WHAT: Hanukkah Tot Shabbat, special service for young children and their families
WHEN: 10 a.m. today
WHERE: Congregation Children of Israel Walton Way Temple, 3005 Walton Way
CALL: (706) 736-3140
WHAT: Book Fair and Hanukkah Bazaar with books, jewelry and food for sale, plus children's activities and family fun
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Augusta Jewish Community Center, 898 Weinberger Way, Evans
COST: Lunch, $3 for members, $5 for non-members; reservations needed
CALL: (706) 228-3636
WHAT: Menorah Lighting Ceremony, sponsored by Chabad of Augusta
WHEN: 6 p.m. Tuesday
WHERE: Augusta Common, 800 block downtown between Broad and Reynolds streets
LEARN MORE: (706) 722-7659 or www.chabadaugusta.org
WHAT: Hanukkah program with child psychologist Warren Umansky on Turn Your Kids into Mensches (good people), menorah lighting and Hanukkah songs
WHEN: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8
WHERE: Adas Yeshurun Synagogue, 935 Johns Road
CALL: (706) 733-9491
WHAT: Hanukkah Celebration Concert and Dessert Reception featuring the Robyn Helzner Trio
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8
WHERE: Congregation Children of Israel Walton Way Temple, 3005 Walton Way
COST: $18 adults, free for 17 and younger
INFO: Call (706) 736-3140 from 8 a.m. to noon; tickets can be purchased at the door
WHAT: Hanukkah on Ice, sponsored by Chabad of Augusta, which will include lighting of 7-foot menorah in the center of the ice rink, ice skating to Hanukkah music, Hanukkah gifts for children, potato latkes, doughnuts and a kosher buffet lunch
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9
WHERE: Augusta Ice Sports Center, 1249 Augusta West Parkway
COST: $15 per person or maximum of $50 per family -- includes skate rental, skating, food and activities
LEARN MORE: (706) 722-7659 or www.chabadaugusta.org.
WHAT: Annual Community Hanukkah Latke Dinner with latkes, salmon, salad, dessert, drinks, Hanukkah songs and raffle for trip to Israel
WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9
WHERE: Augusta Jewish Community Center, 898 Weinberger Way, Evans
COST: Reservations required; members: $10 adults, $6 ages 4-12, free ages 3 and younger, $30 maximum per family; nonmembers: $12 adults, $8 ages 4-12, free ages 3 and younger, $45 maximum per family.
CALL: (706) 288-3636
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