12 Dec
What can a Gentile or non-Jew expect at a Hanukkah celebration? I really enjoyed the recent one at the Winchevsky School. Everybody was friendly and readily answered my questions. I felt welcomed and learned a lot about the tradition. Please let me know your experiences. The festival commemorates an ancient miracle. Sacred oil, enough to light a candle for one day, lasted eight days.

Students at the school explained what lighting the candles meant for them. Copyright ©2012 Ruth Lor Malloy

Teacher Tess offered a bowl full of dreydls or tops as she explained the rules of this game. Dreydls are spun only during Hanukkah. Copyright ©2012 Ruth Lor Malloy

Spinning dreydls is a gambling game. A dreydl has four sides, each with a Hebrew alphabet. This character with three-flags means you have to add a token or coin to the pot. Players learn some history and Hebrew. Copyright ©2012 Ruth Lor Malloy

Dave read a Jewish-themed book to son Abraham. Other children made Hanukkah crafts. We all sang Hanukkah songs. Copyright ©2012 Ruth Lor Malloy

Traditional foods includes “sufganiyot” (jelly-filled doughnuts) and latkes (potato pancakes) with sour cream and apple sauce. They are cooked in lots of oil in memory of the miracle. Copyright ©2012 Ruth Lor Malloy

Everybody including children joined in the dancing and fun. The entrance fee was $5 and included food. Copyright ©2012 Ruth Lor Malloy
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