Last Week of the Hanukkah 2012 Celebration

Hannukah is not the most celebrated holiday in the Cascade area, but SW Atlanta is such a diverse area, that we wanted to make sure to wish those of you who are Jewish a very Happy Hannukah.

This year, Hanukkah began 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. 

There are 2 synagogues in Buckhead and Midtown that will hold Hannukah events.  Although the Ahavath Achim Synagogue, at 600 Peachtree Battle Avenue NW, is not having Hanukkah events throughout the week, on Dec. 14, it's AAbsolutely 4Kids group will have a special Hannukah edition.  In addition, The Temple, located at 1589 Peachtree Street in Midtown, has a week full of events starting Dec. 9. Check the schedule of events here.

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 and babka.

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