SARASOTA – Sunday marked the beginning of Hanukkah celebrations for many across the country and the Suncoast is no exception.
The eight-day Jewish festivities that commemorate the re-dedication of the second temple in Jerusalem started this Sunday.
“There’s eight days of Hanukkah but we actually have nine events this year which I believe is more than we have ever had, for every age, some of them are at our temple, some of them are all around the city,” said Temple Emanu-El, Rabbi Brenner Glickman.
The temple already held several events this weekend, including a toy drive and celebration at University Town Center
“We had vendors and we had activity stations, we had games with dreidels and all kids of Hanukkah foods, it was wonderful and we also had a toy drive to benefit the Jewish Families of the Suncoast so I was able to drop those toys this morning and that was really special,” said Temple Emanu-El, Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman.
Rabbi Elaine Glickman says it’s important to teach and involve kids in Hanukkah celebrations and traditions
“Without the next generation, the younger generation there is no way to carry that forward so were really happy to have such a beautiful vibrant preschool and religious school, we have Shabbat programs for our very young families, we’re just so blessed,” said Rabbi Elaine Glickman.
Rabbi Brenner Glickman says getting to celebrate Hanukkah with members of the temple is a joy for all.
“This holiday fills us with a lot of pride as Jews but also a lot of pride of Americans where religious freedom is the law of the land, it wasn’t always that way but we are grateful that it is now,” said Glickman.
“Still every year at this time when we light our menorahs at home it takes me right back to my own childhood, it so wholesome and happy, I love Hanukkah,” said Glickman,
For a list of events you can visit Temple Emanu-El’s website here.