Lighting the Hanukkah menorah (photo by Steve Weiss)
Marlene Diskin
On Dec. 8, almost 50 members of the SaddleBrooke Ranch Shalom Club gathered at the clubhouse to light the Hanukkah menorah, signifying the Jewish eight-day “festival of lights.” The holiday commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple where, according to legend, Jews had risen up against their oppressors and even though there was only enough oil to keep the temple’s menorah candles burning for a single day, the flames continued flickering for eight nights.
Hanukkah is a joyous holiday, celebrated with music and traditional foods, including latkes (potato pancakes) and jelly-filled donuts. Following the menorah lighting, a Hanukkah party was held on Dec. 11 at the clubhouse, where guests enjoyed celebrating together. Traditionally, a small gift is given to the children in the family on each of the eight nights. To honor this tradition, each guest brought a gift that was exchanged in a fun-filled grab bag.
The Shalom Club is dedicated to the enrichment of the lives of its members and the community by providing a venue and opportunity for Jewish members of our community of any background, their partners, spouses, and friends to connect with each other. To become a member and learn about upcoming events, you may contact Marlene Diskin at [email protected].