Happy Chanukah!

Tonight begins the celebration of Chanukah! Also called the Feast of Rededication or Feast of Lights, this Jewish festival “reaffirms the ideals of Judaism and commemorates in particular the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the lighting of candles on each day of the festival.”1 

Our Associate Director of the Gould Law Library & Special Collections Curator Beth Mobley has created an interesting Chanukah exhibit in our Judaica room. As you are studying for finals, consider using the quiet and beautiful space in the Judaica room on our third floor, and while you’re there, take a look at this exhibit. The exhibit features the traditional celebration activities and foods:

Among the items on display are those displayed above, an art deco menorah and a traditional menorah with the blessings and the holiday song Ma’oz Tzur. There are also several draydls, chocolate gelt for the pot, and an illustrated latkes recipe for you to view. You can also peruse books about Chanukah from the Abraham Goldstein and Lillie Goldstein Judaica Collection, which are part of the display:

Chanukah continues for eight days and nights. Here at the Law Center, the menorah will be lit each night in the Atrium at 5:30 PM, except for Friday, when the menorah is lit before sunset in honor of the Shabbat. Please join in the nightly lighting of the menorah, and then visit our library to study. We wish you all a Happy Chanukah and a Happy Thanksgiving!

1Hanukkah (2013). In Encyclopaedia Britannica Online. Retrieved November 27, 2013. This resource can be accessed by Touro Law Center Students only. Click here and scroll down to Encyclopaedia Britannica Online to access this resource.