Light up traditions

Each Hanukkah, members of Temple Bat Yahm in Newport Beach bring menorahs of all shapes, sizes and colors into the temple sanctuary one night of the holiday.

There are menorahs with political or sports themes, modern and traditional styles.

“All the different styles and shapes, colors and materials really shows you the different colors and shapes we are,” said Rabbi Mark Miller of Temple Bat Yahm.

Hanukkah began at sundown Tuesday. The holiday, which commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, has a different meaning for everyone.

For Miller, Hanukkah is a celebration of freedom of religion, cultural identity and light over darkness.

“It really is the foods, the smells, the sights, and the sounds and the music,” Miller said.

Hanukkah is a time to be together with family, and enjoy good food and the warmth of the season, he said.

Miller said his favorite part of the holiday is “the light in the children’s eyes when they look at all of the candles burning.”

For Rabbi Reuven Mintz of the Chabad Jewish Center in Newport Beach, Hanukkah is a time to reach out to people in need.

Chabad will celebrate the holiday Sunday by lighting a giant menorah at Fashion Island made out of about 1,000 cans of food.

The food will later be distributed to the needy.

“The menorah is symbolic of light; every night we add goodness and kindness. Building it out of a product to warm lives will bring much light to the people who will benefit from it,” Mintz said. “We cannot forget about those who are less fortunate.”

Mintz also spends most of Hanukkah entertaining seniors in about 30 homes and facilities across Orange County.

“It’s a very rewarding experience to be able to realize how you can transform lives,” Mintz said. “For some, it may be the only holiday celebration they get.”

Rabbi Marc Rubenstein of Temple Isaiah said the holiday is all about being with family and having fun.

“The first night of Hanukkah is really a family night,” Rubenstein said.

Temple Isaiah’s official Hanukkah celebration Friday will feature tradition but also innovation with skits and activities such as “Dancing with the Jewish Stars,” where participants can dance with hula hoops.

“We’re doing tradition, but creatively,” Rubenstein said.

The festivities also will include music, food and the game “Jewpardy,” which is like “Jeopardy!” but with questions about Judaism.

“It’s just a happy, nice time,” Miller said. “We kindle light in the darkest, and we see those small lights pushing back the darkness. It is symbolic of what one person can do struggling against the darkness.”

HANUKKAH FACTS

 Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights.

 A single candle is lit during each of the eight nights of the holiday, along with an extra candle called a Shamash, meaning guard or servant. All nine of the Hanukkah candles are lit on the eighth night of the holiday.

 Hanukkah, which starts on the 25th day of the Hebrew month Kislev, began at sunset Tuesday and continues until sunset Dec. 12 this year.

 Hanukkah traditions include eating foods fried in oil such as latkes and doughnuts.

 Hanukkah gelt, or small monetary gifts, are often given to children during the holiday.

BRIANNA BAILEY may be reached at (714) 966-4625 or at brianna.bailey@latimes.com.