Join Rabbi Shmuly Hecht of Chabad Okanagan for the Festival of Lights at the Greater Vernon Museum & Archives Thursday, Dec. 14 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The Hanukkah festivities open to everyone include making a Hanukkah craft, enjoying Hanukkah music and sampling traditional latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts). A special viewing of a giant six-foot menorah display will take place as well as a free raffle. Traditional Hanukkah gelt will be given to all the children in attendance.
Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights. This celebration dates back more than 2,000 years and commemorates a Jewish victory against the Greeks for religious freedom. To celebrate this victory an oil lamp, or menorah, was lit in the Temple in Jerusalem. Although there was only enough oil to burn for one day, the light somehow managed to remain bright for eight days, the length of the holiday. The word “Hanukkah” means dedication, as this was one of the greatest miracles in Jewish history.
Everyone is welcome to this free family event. As space is limited please call 250-542-3142 to pre-register. For more information call the museum, visit www.vernonmuseum.ca or find us on Facebook.
The museum is looking to partner on events and activities that highlight different cultural community celebrations. If you have an idea we would love to hear from you.