Monday, December 22, 2008
Jewish holiday of Hanukkah begins
UNDATED (AP) -- Today marks the start of Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish holiday that commemorates a military victory over the Greeks.
And people across the country are dusting off their Menorahs in preparation.
Gov. Mike Rounds is joining several South Dakota lawmakers at the state Capitol for the annual lighting of the Menorah, symbolic of the holiday.
A parade of about 50 cars with menorahs mounted on the roofs will celebrate the start of Hanukkah in the Milwaukee area
And Florida Gov. Charlie Crist will celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with a Menorah lighting ceremony at the Governor's Mansion in Tallahassee.
Hanukkah celebrates the Maccabees victory over the Greeks and the rededication of the Holy Temple and altar as told in the Book of Maccabees.
Lighting the menorah symbolizes the oil that burned in the Holy Temple days longer than expected.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
