BIDDEFORD — One of the most beloved of Jewish holidays will be celebrated in York County this year with the annual Hanukkah Party and Potluck Supper at at Congregation Etz Chaim in Biddeford.

The event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at Congregation Etz Chaim, 36 Bacon St. in Biddeford.

Hanukkah is the Jewish eight-day “festival of lights,” which is celebrated with a nightly lighting of the menorah, special prayers and fried foods and runs from Dec. 12 through Dec. 20.

A menorah is a lamp which has been a symbol of Judaism since ancient times and is the emblem on the coat of arms of the modern state of Israel.

The menorah holds nine flames, one of which, the shamash, is used to kindle the other eight lights. On the first night, celebrants light one flame and on subsequent nights additional flames are lit. By the eighth night of Hanukkah, all eight lights are lit.

Menorahs are lighted in every household and placed in doorways or windows. The menorah also is lit in synagogues and other public places and is a symbol of Jewish triumph over oppressors. 

During the second century BC, the Holy Land was ruled by the Seleucids, a band of Syrian-Greeks who attempted to force the people of Israel to accept Greek culture and practices despite their religious beliefs. A small band of Jewish faithful, led by Judah the Maccabee, defeated the Seleucids and drove them from Israel, reclaiming the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

When the Jewish faithful went to light the Temple’s Menorah after their victory, they discovered only a small amount of menorah oil had not been contaminated by the Seleucids. They lit the menorah and the scant supply lasted for eight days, while new pure oil could be prepared.

To forever remember their triumph and the miracle of the menorah oil, leaders of the Jewish faith created the annual festival of Hanukkah. 

The Hebrew word hanukkah actually means dedication and is named as such because it celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple. 

For the party and supper in Biddeford, participants are asked to bring a dairy or vegetarian entrée to share. Traditional latkes will be served fresh from the kitchen and dessert and drinks are provided. 

The Casco Bay Tummlers will provide music for the event.

The cost to attend the annual Hanukkah Party and Potluck Supper is $6 per person and parking is available on the street or in the nearby Biddeford Police Station parking lot.

Congregation Etz Chaim was founded in 1906 and includes members from throughout York County. 

The synagogue offers High Holiday Services; Shabbat Morning Services twice a month; Jewish Holiday celebrations; Community Friday Night Potlucks; weekly Hebrew School for school-age children; Sunday School for young children and families; adult education and community programming; and training for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs.

— Executive Editor Ed Pierce can be reached at 282-1535 ext. 326 or by email at [email protected]