Blog: Chanukah Message—Increase, Spread and Shine the Light of Chanukah

Jews around the world ushered in the eight-day Hanukkah festival this passed Saturday evening, lighting the first candles of ceremonial lamps that symbolize triumph over oppression.

Every night for eight days, we will light the Chanukah candles, celebrating a victory over Greek armies 2,200 years ago.

Against all odds, a small band of faithful Jews defeated one of the mightiest armies on earth, drove the Greeks from the land, reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and rededicated it to the service of G-d.

When they sought to light the Temple's menorah (the seven branched candelabrum), they found only a single cruse of olive oil that had escaped contamination by the Greeks; miraculously, the one-day supply burned for eight days, until new oil could be prepared under conditions of ritual purity.

To commemorate and publicize these miracles, the sages instituted the festival of Chanukah. At the heart of the festival is the nightly menorah (candelabrum) lighting: a single flame on the first night, two on the second evening, and so on till the eighth night of Chanukah, when all eight lights are kindled.

Indeed, the festival of the Chanukah lights brings out vividly the three fundamental aspects for each and every one of us to be inspired to intensify our efforts to do good and spread goodness and kindness to our surroundings

(a) to spread the light in a growing measure from day to day, as indicated by the addition of a candle each succeeding night of Chanukah;

(b) to do so not only within one's own home, but to spread it also "outside," as indicated by the fact that the original place of the Chanukah lights is "at the entrance of his home, outside;"

(c) when it is dark outside, one must not be discouraged, and that is precisely the time to start kindling the lights - as the Chanukah candles have to be kindled after sunset.

Wishing you and yours a bright and inspiring Chanukah.

You can change the world!

We at the Chabad of Toluca Lake Jewish Life Center  will be helping light the flame for families this Chanukah. Our Annual Chanukah Party and Grand Menorah Lighting will give the entire Family an opportunity to have fun while experiencing their heritage and the Chanukah message. There will be Chanukah games and activities such as building your own menorahs and making dreidels, with non-stop fun for the whole family.

This year we have a very special feature which is a must for everyone to see. We are hosting a full Hanukkah musical production titled -" A Tale of Lights" - The ancient story of Chanukah in a modern musical production. A heartwarming story with fun filled comedy. Entertaining for everyone in the family

We will be building the First ever Giant Lego Menorah in Toluca Lake made of 1000’s of Lego pieces.

We will also be holding our Chanukah Toy drive, where the children will be able to wrap presents and write get-well cards for hospitalized children. You can be part of this Mitzvah - good deed, click here for more info.  

Our  Annual Chanuka Party will be at the new Chabad of Toluca Lake Jewish Life Center, 10660 Riverside Dr., Toluca Lake on Tuesday Dec. 11t – From 4:30 p.m.– 6:30 p.m.

For more information and schedule of our events this Chanukah, or to receive a free Chanukah kit (Menorah, candles, Dreidels and instructions) from Chabad of Toluca Lake , please visit our website, call (818 308 4118), email chabadtl@gmail.com.