Sandton Shul lights up for Chanukah

The festivities will take place from 6 December, with the menorah erected outside Sandton City and will run until 14 December.

The menorah is a candelabrum with eight holders for oil or candles and an additional holder, set apart from the rest for the shamash (the candle used to light all the others). The menorah is lit every night for the eight days of Chanukah or the Hanukkah festival.

According to Rabbi Ari Kievman from the Sandton Shul, celebrations are also set to take place to usher in the festival.

“There will be community-wide celebrations for the first eve of Chanukah, taking place outside the Rivonia entrance of Sandton City, and these will include a car menorah parade, Jewish music and many surprises for the entire family, young and old,” he said.

He added that this year’s celebrations would also have an added significance as Jewish communities worldwide will celebrate the year of Hakhel, a once-every-seven-years opportunity to celebrate Jewish unity and learning.

Other menorahs will also be lit at the Chabad in Johannesburg central business district, Kosher World in Glenhazel and at Norwood Mall while the Chabad Seniors Club is set to also host a Chanukah party on 9 December.

Chanukah, known as the Festival of Lights, is held in commemoration of the victory of the militarily weak Jewish people over an enemy that had overrun ancient Israel and sought to impose restrictions on the Jewish way of life.

Details: www.chabadsouthafrica.org/Chanukah

How will you kick-start Chanukah this year? Tweet pictures of your celebrations @Sandton_News