MAYOR PEREZ’S HANUKKAH MESSAGE

---MEDIA RELEASE---

 

(December 15, 2006)--- Hartford Mayor Eddie A. Perez sends his warm wishes for a Happy Hanukkah this Holiday Season.  Hanukkah starts tonight at sundown.  It is the time when people of the Jewish faith in Hartford and around the world celebrate “The Festival of Lights.”

 

Mayor Perez says, “Hartford’s rich diversity rings so clearly during the Holiday Season.  It is a time when all of our residents from all of our varied cultures and backgrounds can come together as one.  For our residents who celebrate Hanukkah, cherish your family and honor history and heritage.  This is a joyous time!’

 

Hanukkah begins on the 25^th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev.  This is when people of the Jewish faith mark the victory over the Syrians and the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple more than 2300 years ago.  The holiday lasts eight days to commemorate the miracle of the oil.  According to Jewish beliefs, Judah and the Maccabees had a tiny jug of oil, with only enough oil to last a single day, but instead, it burned for eight.  Today, this is symbolized as families light the holiday menorah.