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Valley's families celebrate Hanukkah By TONY BOOM Mail Tribune ASHLAND -- Hanukkah, a Jewish celebration of faith and courage, is being quietly celebrated in homes across the Rogue Valley. Ashland's temples also are taking part. Temple Emek Shalom will hold a celebration on Friday. Havurah Shir Haddash held its Hanukkah fair Sunday. "Hanukkah is really a more home-based holiday," said Rabbi Marc Sirinsky of Temple Emek Shalom. The eight-day holiday celebration started Sunday evening and will continue through Monday. "Everyone in Judaism celebrates Hanukkah as a family based celebration of religious freedom," said Rabbi David Zaslow of Havurah. "Generally speaking, it's eight nights of gift-giving and family gathering." Hanukkah, known as the miracle of lights, commemorates the driving of Syrian-Greek rulers who suppressed the Jewish religion from Jerusalem in the second century B.C. The victory allowed Jews to resume services in the temple. But that required purified ritual oil for burning in a menorah. Only enough pure oil was found for one day. Miraculously the oil burned for the eight days before a new supply was available. There's another interpretation of the miracle of lights - one on a spiritual level. "Humans chose to bring light into their lives even though they didn't know how to make that light continue," said Sirinsky. "It's about faith. The miracle of faith is truly something to celebrate." The holiday calls for Jewish men and women to light a candle at nightfall on each of eight days beginning on the 25th day of the Jewish month Kislev. The menorah holds eight candles. After lighting, it is placed in a window or doorway visible to the public. "In many neighborhoods or towns they would not be in the windows. Fortunately in Ashland it can be," said Alicia Mannix, who attends the Havurah. In her native Poland, where communists ruled as she grew up, the family displayed a Christmas tree rather than the menorah in an effort to fit in. Mannix will give her son modest gifts each night and will eat traditional potato pancakes called latkes. "What's happened in America is that Jewish families, unfortunately, have to compete with Christmas in terms of holiday (gift-giving)," said Mannix. "We don't want our children to feel left out." "I think it's definitely taken an American tilt, just like Christmas has," said Zaslow. "The exchange of gifts has always been around, but it's been on a much humbler level." A spiritual emphasis can be put on gift-giving, says Sirinsky. Gifts can be given to help others. A family game that people can play together to build community can also be spiritual. Reading stories of courage is another ritual for some families. "There are people throughout history that are examples of courage," said Sirinsky. "Hanukkah is about the courage to maintain your beliefs. "People really love Hanukkah, and the symbolism of bringing light into darkness is very appealing, especially this year," said Sirinsky. The rabbi has repeatedly addressed issues related to the terrorist attacks since Sept. 11. "September 11 has brought all people in safe communities into the appreciation of the unbelievable gift that we have to live in this country that continually assures religious freedom," said Zaslow. "What they gained (2,100 years ago) was religious freedom. It's not a celebration of national independence." Reach Ashland bureau reporter Tony Boom at 482-4651, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.