yj ihn Soi ° ‘A make-up kit. That’s all.” By CHARLOT M. DENMON Staff Writer The eight days of Hanukkah are days of joy and celebration and are widely observed by both secular and religious Jews. This year, Jews around the world will begin the celebration of Hanukkah, also known as the “Festival of Lights,” with sun- down on December 26. Hanukkah is unique in that, until Israel Independence Day was acclaimed in this genera- tion, it was the only Jewish holiday without any Biblical basis. Despite this, Jews recite prayers of thanksgiving and, when lighting the Menorah, “Commanded us to light to Hanukkah light.” According to Mrs. Thomas Rosing of Dallas, the story of Hanukkah dates back to the fourth century BC with the con- quest of Asia and the Middle East by Alexander the Great. His conquest resulted in the fusion of Greek and Eastern traditions known as Hellenism. At the time, Jewish cultural life was swept into the Hellenis- tic society until Antiochus IV, a Syrian king, resolved to crush all opposition to the extreme Hellenistic culture. King Anti- ochus ordered the Jewish people to give up their religion to worship idols. It was he who established the detested pig as the sacrificial animal. Antiochus anticipated no resistance to his decree but many of the Jews were horrified by the sinfulness of the new culture. Led by Judah Macca- \ Yo, z ~~ <I ® 0101011010/01101010/00/0/I0nd 4 ik 4 J bee, they fled to the mountains where they gathered bows and arrows and began a guerilla war. Depending on mobility, inaccessibility of the mountains and superior knowledge of the terrain and support of local population, Macabee’s forces attacked and finally defeated Antiochus’ army. The Maccabeans marched toward Jerusalem where they found their temple in ruins. Idols were scattered every- where and the altar was cov- ered with the sacrifice of the pigs. The Maccabees cleansed the city and the temple of its idolatry and restored the Temple to purity. Three years from the day the first pagan sacrifices were made, Judah offered up the restored daily sacrifice of the morning and, for eight days, the dedication (Hanukkah) of the altar was celebrated. The history of the Hanukkah lights dates back to the Macca- bees. According to tradition, the Maccabees could not find either the Menorah or the special oil to light the flame. Instead, they placed iron rods upright and used a small jug of oil which was just enough for one day. They lit their replica of the Menorah and, to their surprise, the flame burned for eight days. Today, Jews all over the world light the Menorah in honor of the miracle of that small jug of oil. Lighting the eight candles of mony of Hanukkah. The candles are placed, one at a time, in the (See JEWS, page 8) » di SARA DODEHO, 6 Dallas J.D. KROHN, 6 Dallas JILLIAN OBUHOSKY, 7 Dallas “Transformers and Mask.” The recent arrival of the newest member of your household is the perfect time to arrange for a WEL- COME WAGON call. I'm your WELCOME WAGON rep- resentative and my basket is full of free. gifts for the family. Plus lots of helpful information on the special world of babies. Call now and let's celebrate your baby. A 675-2070 Heiome ign without Heaneilggn. Our Hostess’ Gifts and In- formation are the Key to Your New Community 675-8660 Call 675-2070 20% A The Mest Sameus Rasket in the Word ® RANDY EVANS, 6 Dallas “Mask, Transformers and Go- Bots and a new watch.” Betty McDonald owner ® NUMBER 9 SHOP 9 W. Northampton St. (corner S. Franklin St.) Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18701 Phone 825-2024 Boutique Shopping... personalized ideas to enhance your fashion statement Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. = evenings em VISA® Em ALL BRAS ALL OTHER MERCHANDISE $9090 $9500 Torey Ferny 1 ro mi ama a hristmas A HAIR SALON saturda GIFT CERTIFICATES = z I Pr n y RC NOW ONSALE ven (717) 283-1630
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers