A menorah-making workshop and a family skate at the Minoru Rink are just two of the activities Richmond’s Jewish community has planned to celebrate Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights starting Nov. 28.
Hanukkah is usually celebrated by playing dreidel, telling the Hanukkah (Chanukah) story, eating sufganiyot (deep-fried donuts filled with jam), and -- most importantly -- lighting the menorah, a candelabra with seven candle holders.
Rabbi Yechiel Baitelman, director at Chabad of Richmond, said the most beautiful thing about candles is that they can light up an infinite number of others without diminishing the original one.
"If I want to share water with you, I have to divide the water. So, if you want to share water with a third person, it will be less for us. But if I have a burning candle and light up another one, it won't diminish mine," said Baitelman.
He noted that the candle light reflects the kindness and support we show to each other during difficult times.
Chabad Richmond and Home Depot will host a pre-Hanukkah menorah-making workshop at Richmond Jewish Day School (RHDS) on Nov. 21, with the program being split into two sessions to accommodate more people safely.
The event is free, but donations are welcome.
Chabad Richmond also plans to host a Family Chanukah Skate on Nov. 28 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. at the Minoru Skating Rink. Attendees can enjoy sufganiyot and pick up menorah candles following the activity. Cost is $6.00 for kids and $10.00 for adults, which includes skate rentals.
Pre-registration and proof of vaccination are mandatory. To learn more about how to celebrate Hanukkah or register for the event, visit www.chabadrichmond.com/chanukah.
