Hanukkah 2012 Draws to a Close

The fun started with the Chanukah Wonderland experience at Orchard Mall Shopping Center this week. The offered a warm welcome to the community on Tuesday

The lighting of a 12-ft. candelabrum, called a menorah, by Dave Kresch, a West Bloomfield resident who survived the Holocaust, highlighted three days of food and fun

Bais Chabad Torah Center sponsored the three-day tribute between Dec. 9-12 to the annual, eight-day Jewish holiday, which is one of the most widely-celebrated holidays and a favorite amongst children. Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukah) takes place this year from sunset Dec. 8 until the evening of Dec. 16.

In addition to the traditional ceremony, several hundred who attended Tuesday were entertained. A 21-child cast of children from the Bais Chabad Drama Club performed a musical written by local Rebbetzin Zeesy Silberberg which explained the story behind Hanukkah and Kidz Klez of Michigan offered Klezmer music by local children.

Students from Hillel Day School on Wednesday used the opportunity for education, visiting on a class field trip.

In Birmingham Wednesday night residents turned out for the annual menorah lighting ceremony in Shain Park.

Hanukkah commemorates the victory of the Jews over Syrian-Greek invaders in 164 BCE (Before Common Era). Hanukkah (Hebrew for dedicate) refers to the rededication of second Jewish Temple in Jerusalem and is celebrated by lighting one additional candle in the menorah for eight days.

Oil is a common theme at the Chanukah Wonderland event, including the demonstration of an olive press and snacks including jelly sufganiot (doughnuts) and potato latkes (pancakes), both common Hanukkah dishes.

Chanukah celebration continues

The congregation of  Temple Beth El will celebrate with a Family Chanukah Service and Buffet Dinner Friday night at 6 p.m.

At Temple Kol Ami, a child-friendly religious service in honor of the dual Hanukkah and Shabbat service called Bim Bam Shabanukkah takes place Dec. 14. Bring your own menorah, a dairy or vegetarian dish and willingness to sing — the reform temple provides latkes, toppings, beverages and dessert.

The event is $2/adults, $1/child and requires payment in advance. For more information or to make a reservation, visit tkolami.­org or call 248-661-0040.

Orchard Mall is located at 6445 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield. Temple Kol Ami is located at 5085 Walnut Lake Rd., West Bloomfield.

Information published to Patch written by Rabbi Jason Miller was used in this report. Patch Editor Tim Rath contributed to this report.

For more

• 5 Things To Know About Hanukkah
• Chanukah Wonderland Lights Up Orchard Mall