In a show of unity to celebrate Hanukkah, Chabad of Hawaii will join other Jewish congregations on neighbor islands in a first-time simultaneous lighting of the menorah.
The ceremony can be viewed live from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 13 Hawaii time over the website HawaiiJewryUnite.org Opens in a new tab. This year, Hanukkah, also called the Festival of Lights, starts Sunday and ends Dec. 14.
Organizer Michoel Goldman, rabbi of Chabad’s Kauai branch, said in a news release: “The live-stream of the event — which will be broadcast on the Web live for anyone globally to watch — will actually pass through Israel and back to Hawaii! We’re working with a production company in New York.”
Goldman continued, “The inspiration to do the simultaneous menorah lighting is because of the theme of unity, which is central to this year on the Hebrew/Jewish calendar. In Hebrew it’s called ‘hakhel’, which means ‘gathering’,” occurring about every seven years.”
Congregations on Oahu, Maui, Hawaii island and Kauai will be featured in a 10-minute segment depicting the lighting of menorah candles.
The Jewish holiday marks the liberation of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem from conquerors, the Syrian Greeks. In 2nd century B.C., the Maccabees, a small band of Jewish rebels, drove the mighty Greek army from their homeland against all odds.
When the Jews entered the desecrated temple, they needed to purify it by relighting the eternal flame. They were dismayed to find only one container of ritual olive oil — enough to last for one day. The Jews considered it a miracle that the oil burned for eight. That’s why Hanukkah is celebrated by lighting the candles of a menorah eight nights in a row.
Hanukkah celebrations on Oahu follow:
Chabad of Hawaii — Ala Moana Hotel, 410 Atkinson Drive; 735-8161; for full schedule, visit chabadofhawaii.com Opens in a new tab.
>> Hanukkah Winter Wonderland party, 5 p.m. Sunday. Highlights include construction of a giant marshmallow menorah; hot latkes, jelly doughnuts, all-you-can-eat buffet, Jewish music, kids crafts, dreidel games. Adults $20, children $12. RSVP information is available online, chabadofhawaii.
>> Car menorah parade, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 13, from Kaimuki High School to the end of Kuhio Avenue in Waikiki at the tiny King Kalakaua Park, where the live-streamed 29th annual public menorah-lighting is slated for 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Temple Emanu-El Honolulu — 2550 Pali Highway; 595-7521; shaloha.com Opens in a new tab.
>> Dinner with latkes, dreidel games for children and adult activities, 6 p.m. Friday A service will follow, 7:30 p.m.; bring your menorah.
Oahu Jewish Ohana — A celebration will be held at Moiliili Hongwanji, 902 University Ave., oahujewishohana.com Opens in a new tab.
>> Candle-lighting service, bring your menorah, 6:30 p.m. Friday. Candles will be provided. Also, dinner provided, with potluck latkes.
Congregation Sof Ma’arav — Call for details, 595-3678; sofmaarav.org Opens in a new tab.
