Hanukkah 2012 in Pittsburgh's East Suburbs

This year, Hanukkah begins on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 8, and ends a week later on Sunday, Dec. 16.

According to Chabad.org, Hanukkah starts on the Hebrew calendar date of 25 Kislev and lasts for eight days. For those of us who aren't attuned to the Jewish calendar, that translates to sundown on Saturday, Dec. 8. 

Chabad Jewish Center of Monroville will ignite a public six-foot menorah followed by a community-wide celebration on the third evening of Chanukah (Hanukkah), which falls on Monday, Dec. 10, at 5:30pm at the Holiday Inn Monroeville, 2750 Mosside Blvd. in Monroeville. The ceremony will include menorah lighting, live music, traditional Chanuka foods such as Latkes and Donuts, Chanuka crafts for children and great entertainment by ventriloquist James tucker. For more information, visit www.JewishMonroeville.com or call 412-372-1000.

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the story of the Maccabean Revolt against Syrian rulers in present day Israel 2,300 years ago. The Maccabees wanted to rededicate Jerusalem's main temple but had only enough oil to kindle the Eternal Light for one day. The oil lasted for eight days, according to the story, and the holiday of Hanukkah was born.

Today, Jews generally celebrate by gathering together with family, lighting one candle on the menorah each of the eight nights, playing dreidel and eating special holiday foods such as potato latkes (see attached .pdf for recipe), and babka.

TELL US: If you observe Hanukkah, what are your plans? Share your pictures!

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