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Published on 12/14/1998 All articles from this issue

Hundreds take part in Los Altos Hanukkah

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By Clyde Noel

Special to the Town Crier

As skies drew dark Dec. 15, Jewish residents and others marked the celebration of Hanukkah in downtown Los Altos with songs, gifts, games and jelly doughnuts.

With a nine-lamp menorah in the background, Rabbi Sheldon Lewis, of Temple Kol Emeth in Palo Alto, celebrated the third night of Hanukkah in the Los Altos Community Plaza while more than 450 participants sang "Oh, Hanukkah."

Taking an historical approach, Rabbi Lewis said Hanukkah is a story of a miracle. Maccabean Jews celebrating victory in battle long ago saw fit to rededicate their temple, he said. They had enough lamp oil to last just one day, but the lamp burned instead for eight, Lewis said, a sign for them that God was pleased.

"Remarkably, tonight is the exact opposite of when the first Hanukkah was born," Lewis said. "Lighting small lights for freedom has been very fruitful for us."

The menorah is a symbol of Judaism and Hanukkah, or the Festival of Lights. It celebrates the victory of faith over assimilation. The first candle on the menorah was lit the previous Sunday at sundown marking the beginning of observing the eight days of Hanukkah.

"A celebration like this brings together the whole Jewish community, and it acknowledges Hanukkah as a festive occasion for me," said Elyse Feldman, of Palo Alto.

Myron Nessan of Los Altos said he participated in the Hanukkah event because it was an opportunity to share with the community. "The exposure of the tradition is informative and meaningful," he said.

"I'm not a religious person, but I'm very moved by Jewish history and legend," said Marsh Feldman of Palo Alto. "I've always had an attraction to the menorah. It interests me for the symbolism of Hanukkah."

Three years ago, the Los Altos Village Association in coordination with Congregation Kol Emeth and the Albert J. Schultz Jewish Community Center started the celebration.

"This is a cultural event more than a religious event," said Aaron Kaye of Los Altos. "Hanukkah is not an intensely religious holiday, but a celebration of the freedom of religion."

The Shaffer family, Lori, Ted, Joel, Rachael and Sam of Los Altos, came to the celebration to hear the music and take part in the festivities. "It's a joyous time for us," Lori said.

As a family event, free dreidels and gelt for children were available while the singing continued during the two-hour celebration with music by the Klezmaniacs and the Yiddish Choristers.