Decatur Postpones Hanukkah Celebration To Wednesday

Update: Because of rain, the City of Decatur's Hanukkah celebration has been postponed until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 12.

The earlier story: This year, Hanukkah begins on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 8, and ends a week later on Sunday, Dec. 16.

According to Chabad.org, Hanukkah starts on the Hebrew calendar date of 25 Kislev and lasts for eight days. For those of us who aren't attuned to the Jewish calendar, that translates to sundown on Saturday, Dec. 8. 

The City of Decatur will hold its first Hanukkah celebration on the Court Square  at 6 p.m Monday, Dec. 10.

The Decatur Focus says the event will feature foods like donuts and latkes, photo opportunities, hot drinks and special gifts for those who RSVP in advance to the Chabad Intown website.

For more information, contact Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman at rabbi@chabadintown.org, 404-898-0434 or visit chabadintown.org.

Avondale Estates will light up the city Menorah on Saturday. It's across from city hall.

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the story of the Maccabean Revolt against Syrian rulers in present day Israel 2,300 years ago. The Maccabees wanted to rededicate Jerusalem's main temple but had only enough oil to kindle the Eternal Light for one day. The oil lasted for eight days, according to the story, and the holiday of Hanukkah was born.

Today, Jews generally celebrate by gathering together with family, lighting one candle on the menorah each of the eight nights, playing dreidel and eating special holiday foods such as potato latkes and babka.

TELL US: If you observe Hanukkah, what are your plans?