Behind The Festival of Lights
Posted By: Liz Goodrich
Date Posted: 11/27/2007
Deschutes Public Library is pleased to host a presentation titled, “Hanukkah: Behind The Festival of Lights,” on December 2, 2007 at 1:30 pm the Brooks Room of the Bend Public Library. The program is free and open to the public.
Hanukkah, from the Hebrew word for “dedication” or “consecration,” is celebrated within the Jewish culture to commemorate the “miracle of the container of oil.” The “miracle” refers to the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem following its destruction by Anitochus IV. According to the Talmud, there was only enough consecrated oil to fuel the eternal flame of the Temple menorah for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted eight days. Over time, the oil has become a metaphor for the survival of the Jewish people. The observance of Hanukkah lasts eight days and begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month Kislev, which may fall anytime from late November to late December.
During his presentation, Adam Spears will share the history and traditions of Hanukkah. Spears, who discovered his Jewish heritage eleven years ago, has devoted himself to the pursuit and study of the Jewish people; their culture, language, history, ancient Temple practices. Currently he is the Leader of House of Covenant, a Messianic Hebrew congregation located in Bend, Oregon. Spears says his favorite Hanukkah tradition is “gathering the family together each night, lighting the candles and saying the blessings.” He says that by doing so, “we remember the sacrifices and blessings that our people experience in ages gone by.”
For more information about this or other library programs, please call 312-1032.
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