Hanukkah 2012 in the Upstate

This year, Hanukkah begins on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 8, and ends a week later on Sunday, Dec. 16.

According to Chabad.org, Hanukkah starts on the Hebrew calendar date of 25 Kislev and lasts for eight days. For those of us who aren't attuned to the Jewish calendar, that translates to sundown on Saturday, Dec. 8. 

Local events happening this weekend include:

• A Shabbat candlelighting will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7 at Chabad Jewish Center of Greenville and the Upstate. Shabbat ends at 5:59 p.m. Dec. 8.
• Shabbat services will be held at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7 at Temple of Israel in Greenville.
• Congregation Beth Israel will have Shabbat services at 7 p.m., followed by Oneg Shabbat. Musical Shabbat is offered on the first Friday of the month with a pre-neg beginning at 6 p.m., the service starting at 6:30 p.m. Shabbat morning services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, followed by a Kiddush lunch.
• Temple of Israel will also hold a religious school Chanukah Celebration from 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, Dec. 9.
• Community Menorah Lighting at 5 p.m. Sunday at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Greenville.

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the story of the Maccabean Revolt against Syrian rulers in present day Israel 2,300 years ago. The Maccabees wanted to rededicate Jerusalem's main temple but had only enough oil to kindle the Eternal Light for one day. The oil lasted for eight days, according to the story, and the holiday of Hanukkah was born.

Today, Jews generally celebrate by gathering together with family, lighting one candle on the menorah each of the eight nights, playing dreidel and eating special holiday foods such as potato latkes and babka.

TELL US: If you observe Hanukkah, what are your plans?