KleinLife, the bustling Jewish community center in Bustleton, marked the first full day of Hanukkah on Monday, Dec. 23, with a menorah lighting that brought together seniors and children.
The children are part of the KleinLife’s Sunday school and aftercare programs. Some of them are not Jewish and were just learning about Hanukkah, which began the previous night.
“This is a great way of being all together and learning about our customs and each other’s customs,” said Shelley Geltzer, the center’s program director for active adult life.
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, marks the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem following a revolt led by Judah Maccabee and three years of fighting against the Greeks.
The eight-day festival often includes potato pancakes, doughnuts and other items cooked in oil. It will conclude on Monday, Dec. 30.
After lighting the second candle on the menorah, the children and seniors sang Jewish prayers and Hanukkah songs. ••
Jack Tomczuk can be reached at jtomczuk@newspapermediagroup.com.
