Celebrating Hanukkah Around the County

Hanukkah begins at sundown on Dec. 16 and ends in the evening of December 24. This is one of the best known Jewish holidays- an eight-day observance to honor the struggle for religious freedom.

Rabbi Yehuda Glick, from Chabad of Germantown, said Hanukkah is a holiday that dates back more than 2,000 years to celebrate Jews victory in the Maccabean War of 162 B.C.

Glick said the idea behind the holiday is to “spread the light … That’s the idea behind Hanukkah, spread the light and share their warmth with the rest of the world.”

During Hanukkah, Jews light eight candles, one for each night, in a holder known as Menorah. The center candle is known as Shamash, and is considered the ninth candle but it is only used to light the other candles.

According to Glick, after the war, the Temple was cleansed and rededicated, and a Menorah was relit. Glick said there was oil to light the candle only for one day, but the oil “miraculously” burned for eight days, and because of that Hanukkah is also known as the “Feast of Lights.”

“With everything that’s happening around the world, we can use a little extra candle,” Glick said.

Here’s how you can celebrate Hanukkah throughout Montgomery County:

– Chanukah Wonderland at the Kentlands Shopping Center in Gaithersburg. Residents celebrate the holiday with a new activity every day.

– Chanukah Community Celebration on Dec. 18 in Potomac. Enjoy performance by Chabad of Potomac Hebrew School, Free Latkes, Chanukah Treats, Free Menorahs, and more.

– Community Hanukkah Party on Dec. 18 in Rockville. The Rockville Volunteer Fire Department fire truck will be decorated with a four-foot Menorah while stopping in different neighborhoods to distribute gifts. The parade ends at the Chabad of Upper Montgomery County.

– Chanukah at 3 Metro Center on Dec. 17 at the Metro Level Lobby. Watch a Menorah Lighting Ceremony. Kids of all ages will enjoy “The high energy Magic of Speed.” Free parking at Monument Parking with validation at the event.

About Aline Barros

Aline Barros is a multimedia reporter and community engagement specialist with Montgomery Community Media. She can be reached at Abarros@mymcmedia.org and on Twitter at @AlineBarros2.

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