Synagogues in isles mark Hanukkah

Chabad of Hawaii, Temple Emanu-El Hono­lulu and Congregation Sof Ma’arav will hold their annual Hanukkah, or Festival of Lights, celebrations over eight days beginning on the eve of Dec. 8. There will also be a community event on Maui.

The Jewish festival "celebrates the universal truths of the triumph of light over darkness; of purity over adulteration; of spirituality over materiality," Pearl Kras­njan­sky, a director of Chabad, said in a news release.

The festival commemorates the liberation of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem from the Syrian Greeks, who occupied the Jewish homeland and suppressed their faith more than 21 centuries ago. Against all odds, a small band of Hebrews defeated the mighty Greek army and drove them from the land, the release said.

When the Hebrews sought to relight the eternal flame in the desecrated Holy Temple, they found only a single container of olive oil that had not been defiled by the Greeks.

Miraculously, the one-day supply of oil burned for eight days. Because of that, a menorah, or candelabra, is lit for eight nights in a row, adding one new light each night until all candles are lit on the eighth night.

The schedule of activities for each synagogue follows:

Chabad of Hawaii — Synagogue at Ala Moana Hotel; 735-8161; chabadofhawaii.com.

» Dec. 9, 5 p.m.: The Chanukah Bash will feature a buffet with traditional latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiot (jelly doughnuts), music and games. A children’s game with drei­dels (four-sided tops with a Hebrew letter on each side) will be played for treats. Children receive a small gift each night of Hanukkah, often gelt (money), which has evolved into foil-covered chocolate resembling gold coins.

Chabad is constructing a 7-foot coin menorah to hold pennies and other loose change, which may be collected before the party. The money will go to different charities, including the recent victims of Hurricane Sandy.

» Dec. 12, 5:30 p.m.: The annual Car Menorah Parade will start at Mahukona Street on Kapiolani Boulevard, go up to Beretania and Bishop streets, and down Ala Moana Boulevard to Waikiki. It will continue on Kalakaua and Kuhio avenues and end up at King Kalakaua Park on the corner of Kuhio and Kalakaua avenues. Chabad’s 26th annual Public Menorah Lighting Ceremony will be held at King Kalakaua Park, featuring a giant inflatable drei­del, hot latkes and Jewish music. To participate in the parade, contact Chabad.

» Dec. 13, 6 p.m.: A menorah lighting ceremony for military personnel and the public will be held at Schofield Barracks.

» Dec. 15, 8 p.m.: Singer-songwriter Saul Kaye, who mingles Jewish-themed songs with rhythm and blues, will perform at the Chabad synagogue at the Ala Moana Hotel. Reservations are suggested, as seats are limited. Admission is $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Visit www.SaulKaye.com.

Sponsors are needed to fund these public programs. For information or reservations, call 735-8161 or email info@chabadofhawaii.com.

Temple Emanu-El Honolulu — 2550 Pali Highway; 595-7521; www.shaloha.com.

» Dec. 8, 7 p.m.: A "Rock of Ages" Hanukkah concert features San Francisco-based klezmer hip-hop fusion duo Cradle Duende, followed by local classic-rockers The Charles Taylor Band. Suggested donation of $8 at the door. Pizza slices and beverages will be available for purchase.

» Dec. 14, 6 p.m.: Bring a potluck item (no pork or shellfish) for dinner and a batch of latkes, with a prize going to the best latkes. Sour cream and applesauce will be provided. A drei­del piñata and drei­del games will be available for the kids, followed by a "bring your own menorah" community menorah lighting and a 7:30 p.m. service.

Congregation Sof Ma’arav — 2500 Pali Highway (at the First Unitarian Church of Hono­lulu); 263-1130; www.sofmaarav.org.

» Dec. 15: The Conservative congregation will be celebrating the eighth night of Hanukkah at a private home. Call Sandra or Donald Armstrong at 263-1130 for more details.

Maui

» Dec. 11, 2 p.m.: The annual Community Israeli Folk Dancing Chanukah Party will be held at Hale Makua, 472 Kaulana St. in Kahului, in the cafeteria. A dance performance is at 2 p.m., with a candle blessing and lighting at 3 p.m., followed by traditional latkes and doughnuts. For information, call Dan Zofi at 280-1051.