Happy Chanukah to our readers

The Queens Courier would like to take this opportunity to wish our Jewish readers a very happy and festive Chanukah. Chag urim sameach!
This eight-day Festival of Lights kicked off on Wednesday, December 1 and runs through Thursday, December 9. The holiday marks the miraculous victory of the Jews, led by the Maccabees, against Greek persecution and religious oppression.
When the Maccabees went to rededicate a temple that the Greeks had taken over, they found only one flask of oil with which to light the Menorah. That small flash ended up lasting for eight days – hence, the eight days of celebration.
Chanukah is a holiday best celebrated with friends and family, who gather each day to kindle the Menorah lights at nightfall. This celebration is usually accompanied by gift giving, a Chanukah feast and many festive games.
So this year while eating latkes and spinning dreidels, remember the meaning of the holiday and the communal celebrations that come along with that meaning. One of those celebrations will take place in Bayside on Sunday, December 5 at 6 p.m.
The Chabbad of Northeast Queens presents the Grand Menorah Lightings at The Bay Terrace shopping center’s upper level. Admission is free and there will be music, entertainment and sizzling latkes.
And from your friends at The Courier, Shalom!