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Other Celebrations
Hanukkah - The Jewish Festival of Lights
 | The word Hanukkah means "dedication." It lasts for eight days beginning the 25th day of the Hebrew month Kislev (November-December). It celebrates the victory of Judah the Maccabee over the Syrian tyrant Antiochus. |
In 165BC, after three years of war, Judah won a victory over the Syrians and returned with his followers to Jerusalem to reclaim the Temple. On their return, they could only find enough oil to last one day. But, a miracle occurred when they lit the menorah. It burned for eight days. Since that time, the Jewish people have celebrated the battle victory and the miracle of the oil.
Each night of the festival, families gather around a menorah (a special candelabrum with eight candles). On the first night the head of the family uses a helper candle (called a shamos) to light one candle. An additional candle is lit each night until all eight candles are lit on the eighth night. Each night, gifts are given. In some families, children play games with a small four-sided wooden top called at dreidel. On each side of the top is one letter of NGHS, or Nes Godol Hoyoh Shom, which means "A great miracle happened
there."
Kwanzaa - a Celebration of African Heritage
 | Kwanzaa is a cultural festival when Black Americans renew and affirm the strengths and values of themselves and their ancestors. It begins December 26th and lasts for seven days. |
Kwanzaa was founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana "Ron" Karenga, a college professor and African American leader. He studied the festivals of many African groups and decided the new holiday should be a harvest. Kwanzaa is a Kiswahili word meaning "the first fruits of the harvest."
The seven principles celebrated during Kawanzaa are:
UMOJA (unity)
KUJICHAGULIA (self-determination)
UJIMA (collective work and responsibility)
UJAMAA (cooperative economics)
NIA (purpose)
KUUMBA (creativity)
IMANI (faith).
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