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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1985-12-23, Page 341.0 eature Chanukah is special for children BY SHARON DIETZ Sam Gerofsky and his family of London celebrated Chanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights with a family gather- ing on December 15. For Sam, who owns and operates Ger- rards on The Square in Goderich, Chanukah is a family tradition more than a religious occasion and an opportunity for he and his wife, Joy to bring together members of the family. Home for Chanukah were Sam and Joy's son, Alan and his guest, Colleen Maguire of. Goderich and their daughter; Sandy and her husband, Greg and their two daughters. Several of Sam and Joy's brothers and sisters also joined the fami- ly for the Chanukah meal. Before the meal Alan read the Chanukah blessings and members of the family took turns lighting the candles of hte menorah. Colleen was asked to light one of the candles because God says in the Bible that visitors are to be included. Following the meal which included latkes, a potato pancake synonymous with Chanukah, the children were given chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil to symbolize the gold coins or gelts which Jewish children receive each day of the eight days of Chanukah. Gifts were exchanged but as Sam says, Chanukah is not as cornmercialied as Christmas has become for Christians. Books are a popular gift and small items such as bracelets are also exchanged. Chanukah is really a time for the children in the family, says Sam and since his daughter is married to a Roman Catholic, his granddaughters will have the best of both worlds. They celebrate Chanukah with their Jewish grand- parents and then later on in December they have Christmas with their Christian relatives. "What they haven't connected yet," says Sam, "is that Jesus is the Messiah the Jews are still waiting for." Holiday for children For Dr. Jim Shalom, of Lucknow the celebration of Chanukah is really a holi- day for children. When there are small children in the home, there is a great emphasis on Chanukah because they en- joy lighting the candles and giving gifts. The celebration of Chanukah is an historical tradition more than a religious festival, he says, and it is much more important for the family to be together to observe The Passover. As Christian families want to be together for Christmas, Jewish families want to be together for The Passover. Chanaukah is a relatively new holiday in the Jewish calendar having been celebrated for the past 2,500 years whereas the Passover is a religious holiday which finds its origins based in the Bible more than 4,000 years. The observance of Chanukah is not as meticulous as the observance of Passover because it is rooted in history rather than in the Bible, says Dr. Shalom. Chanukah is much more significent to Jews living in Israel where his two sisters are living. It is a secular celebration as Christmas is here. Hanukah songs are on the radio and everyone is busy preparing and buying Hanukah gifts. For Jews in Israel, the holiday also has a relevance because of its nationalist component. For the Jew living in Canada in a minority situation, - the celebration of Chanukah is a private family celebration. Because Chanukah is celebrated in December and gift giving is involved, Jewish children find they have a com- mon festival when their Christian friends celebrate Christmas. As a child, Dr. Shalom spent time with Christian friends watching them open their presents at Christmas but he does not recall that he ever longed for a -tree or wanted Santa Claus to come to his home to bring presents. He had Chanukah and for a child, the festival can be very awe- inspiring, he says. The celebration of Hanukah isn't as significent for Dr. Shalom now as it was when he was child, since he and his sisters have grown up and moved away from home. But Chanuakah will one day regain its significance when he has children of his own, he says. It's a holi- day for the kids. Chanukah is the Jewish festival of lights • from page 2 Jews refrain from work and ideally watch the lights and contemplate their significance and symbolism. The candles must be allowed lo burn out completely and they are not blown out. Jewish children, boys and girls, receive the traditional Chanukah gelt, a gold coin. Though everyone is obligated to kin- dle the Chanukah lights, it is permissi- ble for one person to light on behalf of the whole household. It is customary for at least every male including young boys to have their own menorah. Women who live on their own and are not visiting another household that evening, kindle their own Chanukah lights. The menorah is placed where it will clearly be noted by passersby to remind them of the miracle that occurred. Traditionally, it -is to be placed exter- nally on the outside door, or in front of the window facing the street. The menorah can be situated indoors between two rooms. All types of candles may be used though lights of olive oil are preferable. GODERICU SIGNAL -STAR, MONDAY, DECEMBER 23,1965—PAGE 3 Season's Greetings s to Ail. ...Best WisheseP a Happy Season. Holiday With warm hearts we say 'Thanks' for your kind support. With eager anticipation we gook forward to serving you through '86. Merry Christmas from all of us at... A Refreshing Break... donut &mo,.e 7 Days a Week -5:30 am - Midnight 1 HURON ROADGODERICH 524-2335 CLOSED FOR HOLIDAYS From 2 p.m. Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 through to New Year's Day, Jan. 1 Re -opening Thursday, January 2nd at 5:30 a.m. AS From All Of Santa's Helpers at Rieck I.D.A. Pharmacy 1n 1.47:A oin 0:41 4- k Iffit BACK ROW: Mark Aitken, Vi Stringer, Dan Stringer, John Delager MIDDLE ROW: Linda Wiebe, Mari -Jo Collins, Helene Alcock, Laura Wark, Ann Feagan, Lisa Engelstad, Janice Peters FRONT ROW: Becky Morgan, Lynne Ryan, Maude Broadfood, Dot Bedard, Fran Adams ABSENT FROM PHOTO: Shelley Kirkconnell) Festive Season Shopping Hours MONDAY DEC. 23 9 - 9 THURSDAY DEC. 26 . CLOSED TUESDAY DEC. 24 9 - 5 FRIDAY DEC. 27 9 - 9 WEDNESDAY DEC. 25 CLOSED SATURDAY DEC. 28 9 - 6 SUNDAY DEC. 29 12 - 5 Your Friendly Neighbourhood Drugstore .WE DELIVER mOPEN StiNDA75 1 Pha rmacy 14 SHOPPERS SQUARE GODERICH 524-7241 „.:.: PE PSIor 7 -UP REGULAR OR DIET 280ML. CANS CASE OF 24 HOSTESS POTATO CHIPS PLANTERS PEANUTS DRY ROASTED, REGULAR OR UNSALTED -20-0 G. BAG 375 G. POPPYCOCK 275 G. TIN 9 9 97 17:7 69 ALL BOXED CHRISTMAS CARDS ALL CHRISTMAS GIFT WRAP 1/2 I' ` 2 Prce I.D.A. 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