Temple Shalom of Sussex County gets ready to celebrate Hanukkah

FRANKLIN — Celebrate Hanukkah with the Rabbi Josh Cantor and Congregation Temple Shalom of Sussex County on Friday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. Bring your child’s favorite menorah and candles so we can make this years Festival of Lights the brightest one ever. All are welcome and will enjoy traditional Hanukkah refreshments after the service.

The holiday began the evening of Dec. 16 when the first candle was lit. The holiday lasts eight days and concludes on the evening of Dec. 23.

Chanukah, also spelled Hanukkah, meaning "dedication" in Hebrew, refers to the joyous eight-day celebration during which Jews commemorate the victory of the Maccabees over the armies of Syria in 165 B.C.E. and the liberation and rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem.

The modern home celebration of Hanukkah centers on the lighting of the menorah, foods prepared in oil, including latkes and sufganiyot (jelly donuts), and special songs and games including Dreidel.

Congregation Temple Shalom of Sussex County is located at 15 Oak Street in Franklin. For more information, go to www.templeshalomofsussex.org.