ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Hanukkah is all about light and togetherness, and that’s exactly what’s happening Friday morning at the Jewish Community Center in Allentown.
Sydney Kay has the story ahead of a special celebration bringing the community together.
Tracy Sussman, Director of Marketing/Membership at the JCC, said Hanukkah is the festival of lights, and lasts for eight days. Years ago, when there was a lot of darkness, there was oil in the temple that was only supposed to last for one night, but the miracle is that it lasted for eight nights, she said.
An event, which was due to start at 9:30 a.m. Friday, will be a special shabbat.
Shabbats are celebrated every week and are a time where kids and adults gather and sing songs. It is a respite from the rest of the week, where people can calm their minds and bodies, and bring in peace, she said.
The menorah, a symbol of Hanukkah, has eight candles with a shamash, the middle candle. The shamash helps the other candles bring light.
Amid the darkness in the world, we remember that there is always light, she said.
She said the oil in food eaten during Hanukkah like jelly doughnuts and potato latkes represents the oil used to light the candles.
“It’s a beautiful holiday,” she said.
People of all religions and cultures are welcome at the JCC, she said.
Eric Lightman, the JCC’s Executive Director, said the JCC has been a community institution since 1918. He said the center offers health and wellness programs, as well as educational programs.