This year Hanukkah arrives a bit early at sundown on Sunday December 2nd and lasts until sundown on Monday December 10th. Hanukkah is the Hebrew word for dedication and is often known as “the festival of lights”. The miracle that fellow Jews are celebrating is the temple lamp burning for eight days when there was only enough oil for one.
The Jewish community around New York City and throughout the world will celebrate these special days by lighting the Menorah. Each night one additional candle is lit. In addition, many play the game of dreidel and eat special foods that are unique to the holiday. Many sing songs and exchange gifts.
We have a large, thriving Jewish population in the NYC Metro and if you are one of its members as I am I would like to wish you and yours a very Happy Hanukkah and to my Christian friends a Merry Christmas. To you and yours, the best of the holiday season from New York City area child psychologist Dr. Steven Sussman.
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