Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, is being celebrated around the area with menorah-lightings and, in Venice, the Grand Chanukah Klezmer Festival.
The holiday, which began Dec. 25 and runs through Jan. 2, recognizes the eight days that Jews who defended Jerusalem against an attack by the Seleucids were able to light the menorah for the rededication of the Second Temple, despite having only a day’s supply of oil, according to Chabad of Venice & North Port.
The Hebrew word “Hanukkah” means “dedication,” it says.
Each night another candle on the menorah is lit until all eight are aglow. Other Hanukkah traditions include eating food fried in oil, playing with a top called a dreidel and distributing coins called “gelt,” which are often foil-wrapped chocolate, the Chabad’s website states.
Public menorah-lighting ceremonies have become common in recent years. At Port Charlotte Town Center, 1441 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, a 9-foot menorah between Dillard’s and DSW is lit each night.