The McLean Jewish Student Association (JSA) held its annual Hanukkah Party Meeting on Dec. 18 for its members. Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, celebrates a 2000-year-old miracle where a small amount of oil surprisingly burned for eight days and nights in a holy Jerusalem temple. In modern times, the holiday is celebrated for eight days and nights by giving gifts to friends and family. Additionally, fried foods such as donuts and potato pancakes are eaten to commemorate how long the oil lasted.
“This holiday holds a very special place in my heart,” senior Ellie Schwabish said. “In times like these, especially with everything happening in the world right now, it’s important to be represented as a Jewish person, and not lose sight of what this holiday stands for.”
Students were delighted as they walked into Mr. Newburger’s room, to the smell of jelly donuts and the sound of music from The Maccabeats, a popular Jewish acapella group that specializes in parodies of popular songs using Jewish-themed lyrics. Several officers gave their own definitions of Hannukka before students gathered into groups to play Dreidel, a children’s game played with a four-sided top to commemorate the celebration, while also indulging in an array of fried treats.
“I love everything about this festival, but most specifically the games and food associated with it,” JSA vice president Rahm Fishman said.“Being able to play a game of dreidel with my closest friends and stuff my face with delicious snacks is something I always look forward to cherishing this time of year.”
As the party began to fade, and students slowly began to leave, a handful of members reminisced about their Hanukkah memories from their childhood. Some recalled their favorite gifts as children, while others remembered Hanukkah in 2013, a unique instance in which the holiday fell on Thanksgiving day that year. This year, Hanukkah also does not conflict with school; it falls from the evening of Dec. 25 to Jan. 2, 2025. Despite not being able to celebrate with friends at school, members look forward to traveling to see loved ones for the sacred holiday and the break.
“It’s a time that I now get to spend with my family,” math teacher and JSA sponsor Adam Newburger said. “Normally we wouldn’t take off for the holiday as it usually takes place during the school week, but with it falling during winter break this year, it’s nice to know we can really enjoy the holiday to its fullest”.
