Rabbi explains traditions of holiday

What more can we teach our kids than to help others less fortunate during the fun holiday season?

This year Chanukah is celebrated Dec. 15 through 23. This festival of lights recalls the victory - more than 2,100 years ago - of a militarily weak, but spiritually strong Jewish people over the mighty forces of a ruthless enemy that had overrun the Holy Land and threatened to engulf the land and its people in darkness.

Jews all over the world light the menorah, in thanks to G-d. The menorah also serves as a symbol and a message of triumph and freedom. Each night an additional light is kindled until, on the eighth day the menorah is ablaze with eight beautiful lights. Because of the great significance of oil in the story of Chanukah, it is traditional to serve foods cooked in oil. Among the most popular are delicious potato latkes.

On Chanukah it is traditional to give all children Chanukah gelt (money) and gifts. This beautiful custom adds to the children's happiness and festive spirit. In addition, it affords us an opportunity to give them positive reinforcement for exemplary behavior - such as diligence in their studies, and acts of charity.

It is heartbreaking to know that young children have to celebrate Chanukah in a hospital. The least we can do is bring the joy of the holiday by bringing them a new toy or book.

In honor of Chanukah, Chabad of South Brunswick will be distributing brand new, age-appropriate toys to the children at The Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and at Saint Peter's Hospital. Chabad Hebrew School will be hosting a gift wrapping event Dec. 10 at 11 a.m. at the Chabad Jewish Center, 1 Riva Ave., North Brunswick, for children to learn the importance of helping those less fortunate. We will provide all sorts of material to create a unique one-of-a-kind card to send with our gifts. If you would like to volunteer to distribute and wrap the gifts contact Rabbi Levi or Goldie Azimov at (732) 398.9492.

Rabbi Levi Azimov

Chabad Jewish Center

South Brunswick

North Brunswick