Chanukah, the Jewish “Festival of Lights” holiday, will begin at Sundown, Saturday, December 18. Like many Jewish holidays, Cha- nukah has a clear cut historical and political origin. The actual event which it commemorates, the Hebrew struggle for religious free- dom from the tyrannical regime of the Greco- Syrian emperor Anti- ochus Epephanas, are known to have actually occurred in 165 BCE. For the Jewish people, Chanukah symbolizes the victory of a spiritual ideal over military and political despotism. A handful of Jews, de- termined to preserve their faith and their culture, openly defied the over- whelming power ofthe Syrian king, Antiochus, who was determined to suppress Jewish monotheism and ’ its proper observance. When in the year 168 BCE, Anti- ochus ordered that the Temple in Jerusalem be used for pagan prac- tices and that sacrifices be offered there to the Greek god Zeus Olym- pus, the Jews, under the leader- ship of Judas Maccabeus (also known as Judah the Hasmonean) rebelled and acheived military vic- tories which culminated in the re- conquering of Jerusalem, the ex- pulsion of the Syrians, and the purification of the Temple. Chanukah is a season of special joy for children. This poem, written by Scott Saffian for the Post a few years ago, expresses a child’s de- Chanukah Chanukah, the festival of lights. light in the holiday. Chanukah Chanukah, with such E delight. Chanukah Chanukah, from days i of old. Chanukah Chanukah, when no one £ is bold. FEAST OF THE CANDLES Mrs. Harold Saffian - New Goss Manor According to the legend, al! the oil for the holy lamps ofthe Temple had been defiled by pagan wor- shipers. Only one untouched cruse of oil was found, sealed and hidden away. The oil, which was enough to last only for one day, lasted miraculously for eight days. Cha- nukah is celebrated by Jews every- where by lighting candles every night of the holiday, beginning with one the first night, two the second, etc., until finally on the eighth night eight candles blaze in the Chanukah menorah, or candelabrum. This progression is also a symbol of Judaism’s belief in the gradual, constant increase of intellectual light and the slow, steady victory of spiritual enlightment over dark- ness. Chanukah Chanukah, the festival of lights. Chanukah Chanukah, with such delight. Chanukah Chanukah, with such joy. Lots of presents for girl and boy. with and hymns in synagogues, homes and religious schools. It is a holiday of The holiday is observed special services, prayers particular gaiety for children; games are played, a special Cha- nukah top called a ‘‘dreidel!” is spun, and traditionally children receive presents of Chanukah “gelt” (coins or money). Special pancakes called “‘latkes’ are tra- ditional food for this holiday. The Hebrew word “Chanukah” means ‘‘redidication,’” and the hol- iday is also known as “The Days of Rededication.”” During these eight days, Jews throughout the world remember their ancient strug- gle for freedom and rededicate themselves to the ideal of freedom for all men. “Rock of Ages” is the hymn sung in the synagogues during the Chanukah observance. A i n —3 L ht 3 ¥ + 1 1 1 1 & Rock ‘of Aq - es, let our Song Praise Thy sav-ing pieiver Rock of Ages, let our song Praise Thy saving power; Thou amidst the raging foe, Wast our sheltering tower. Furious, they assailed us, But Thine arm availed us, And Thy Word Broke their sword When our own strength failed us. Select Now — LAYAWAY FOR CHRISTMAS! SSamsonite Contoura the new shape of travel A. 26” Pullman . 34.95 B. 21” Ladies’ O'Nite . 21.85 C. Week End Tote . . 21.95 D. Beauty Case .... 19.95 Men's Two Suiter . 34.95 Men's Companion . 21.95 WOAENRY'S JEWELRY VERONA $300 ALSO TO $1630 ELLIOT $250 WEDDING RING 62.350 Each diamond, including the perfect center diamond, of your Keepsake engagement ring is protected against loss from the setting for one year. 1 OR PERFORMANCE 5 ~ i , Rings enlarged to snow detail. « Good ing « a z Housoueenion » “Yr, wo CARDS GIFTS MEMORIAL HIGHWAY SHAVERTOWN LOVELY CLOTHES! thanks to Sanitone Dry Cleaning o 40 1 ORYOLEARNG SERVICE ° O MALIA LAUNDRY & DRY CLEANING FREE PICKUP and DELIVERY 2881-1196 ENterprise 1-08 13 MAIN PLANT and NARROWS SHOPPING CENTER BRANCH STORE
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers