Community Hanukkah Festival Comes To Sandy Springs

From the night of the December 6th through December 14th, Jews around the world will celebrate the holiday of Hanukkah. Hanukkah commemorates the victory of the Maccabees against the forces of religious persecution and assimilation in the 2nd Century BCE. Though the Assyrian Greek forces were larger, through the power of their faith, they were able to claim victory and rededicate their Temple in Jerusalem.

Today, some of the most common practices on Hanukkah include the lighting of the nine-branched candelabra known as a Hanukkiah on each night of the holiday and the eating of fried foods, both in celebration of the oil that was found and used in the rededication of the Temple.

Another aspect of the observance is called in Aramaic, “Pirsuma DeNisa,” the public advertising of the miracle. In order to publicly display our pride in the accomplishments of our ancestors, we place our Hanukkiot (the nine-branched candelabra) in our windows so that everyone can see our celebration.

At Congregation B’nai Torah, the way that we celebrate the holiday and bring our community together is through our Hanukkah Festival. This signature event will be at our synagogue (700 Mt. Vernon Hwy NE Sandy Springs, GA 30328) on December 13th from 10 am-12 pm.

At this event we will have a DJ, art projects, dreidel games, singing, dancing, Maccabee inspired athletic activities, and a coffee bar for the adults. We will also be assembling holiday gift bags to support the families at Lake Forest Elementary. This program is primarily geared towards families with children ages 2-10, though there are activities for people of all ages. Everyone is welcome join us in celebrating the miracle and this important holiday on the Jewish calendar.

Advanced RSVP by Thursday, December 10th, $18 per family, or $9 per adult. At the door: $15 per individual, or $25 per family.