Early appreciation

Ted Edmondson spent almost all of last week studying up on Judah of Maccabee on the Internet. He had to play the role at least somewhat convincingly for all the children at the Hanukkah Wonderland festival Sunday.

Edmondson got a call Tuesday from his rabbi asking if he could do a favor.

“I said yes before I asked what the favor was,” Edmondson said. “But it’s great for the kids. I’ve never really seen an activity like this for kids before.”

Edmondson posed for pictures with kids and families dressed as the infamous Hebrew character known as one of the greatest warriors in Jewish history. In his study he learned a number of details that even he did not know about the man.

“It wasn’t just him who fought, he had four brothers and a father,” Edmondson said. “His name is almost a direct translation from the Bible meaning sledgehammer.”

Even the adults learned something at the event, now in it’s sophomore year.

The festival was hosted in a white tent next to the pool of the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach. The activities seemed to educate the children as much as they entertained.

It may only be in the event’s second time through, but organizers worked to keep things fresh. More than half of the activities from last year were swapped out for something new.

The main stage that had a rabbi pressing olive oil for oil lamps was replaced by magic and puppet shows. Both shows worked to incorporate the Hanukkah message, which greatly pleased event organizers, said Rabbi Reuven Mintz of the Chabad Jewish Center in Newport Beach.

“It got the kids excited to see it told in a magical and exciting way,” Mintz said. “The key is communicating the joys of the holiday at a very young age so that they have on appreciation and enthusiasm with these holidays.”

Many of the treats made a reappearance, like the doughnuts, a full-fledged favorite both years. Cooked in oil the doughnuts act as another fun representation of the oil that burned in the lamps for eight days in the Hanukkah celebrations.

Also this year, children made their own menorahs and candles from scratch. The candles were rolled around wicks and dipped in hot wax. The menorahs came in 12 different styles and could be decorated with tiles and stones.

Many of the parents were also impressed with the festivities, which provided a fun event where their kids could learn about the traditions and enjoy it.

“I think it was great just for that hands-on feel,” Paula Esterson said. It was her family’s first year at the Hanukkah Wonderland, and she was impressed with the variety of activities.

“I think the crafts were great, what an experience, there’s something for everyone and every age group,” Esterson said. “All the work’s done for you so it’s fun for the parents.”

“There are not many places out here where you can go out and celebrate Hanukkah with the kids,” Mintz said.

Although the event falls every year on the Sunday before Hanukkah begins, it really gets people excited about the upcoming celebrations, Mintz said.

“The miracle of lights was thousands of years ago but this helps make so it is relevant and tangible all these years later to the children,” Mintz said.

KELLY STRODL may be reached at (714) 966-4623 or at kelly.strodl@latimes.com.