Community Corner

Viewfinder: Jewish Festival of Lights Began Tuesday

The eight nights of Hanukkah started with song and cakes Tuesday night at Temple Beth El in Aptos.

Families from all over Santa Cruz County gathered to welcome the first of eight days of Hanukkah, the Jewish holiday that celebrates the miracle of keeping oil-fueled lights going for eight days, with only enough oil for one.

It dates back to 165 BC, when, after years of losing the freedom to practice their religion in Israel, which was under Greek rule, they gained it back in an insurrection.

To celebrate and cleanse the holy temple, they burned lights powered by olive oil, but only had enough for one night. Miraculously, it lasted for eight.

Find out what's happening in Scotts Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

More than 50 families gathered Tuesday, singing and saying prayers and lighting candles. Among the songs was "Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel," a catchy ditty akin to "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," which had new variations added by guitarist ("Rabbi Rick") Richard Litvack, with the dreidel not only made of clay, but gum too.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Scotts Valley