Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, December 4, 1993 TAG: 9312030180
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Hanukkah - also known as Hanuka or Chanukah - marks the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem by Judas Maccabaeus following the overthrow of the Hellenic Syrians in 165 B.C., explained Eric Hallerman, a Virginia Tech professor and a member of the Blacksburg Jewish Community. When the Jews returned to the temple, there was only enough oil to light the altar lamp for one day, but it lasted eight days.
To commemorate the miracle, Jewish families light one candle on a menorah, a traditional candleholder, each night of The Festival of Lights. Gifts may be exchanged, but that's a relatively recent tradition, Hallerman said. "It doesn't always work out to eight gifts."
The Blacksburg Jewish Community Center will hold its HANUKKAH PARTY Dec. 12, 2-5 p.m., at the Blacksburg Recreation Center. It will feature a potluck dinner with traditional holiday foods, music and games, including the dreidel, a kind of top youngsters play with.
Hallerman said Jews of European origin often serve latkes, a kind of potato pancake. Middle Eastern Jews often eat a sort of jelly doughnut called susganiot.
The Jewish community in the New River Valley comprises about 35 member families plus students who belong to Hillel at Virginia Tech.
Because the Jewish calendar is a lunar calendar, the date of Hanukkah moves around. "This year, it's particularly early," Hallerman said.
While Hanukkah is a festive occasion, Hallerman said, it's not in the same league as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, which are considered sacred holidays.
By the way, both Christmas and Hanukkah occur on the 25th day of the month, Christmas on Dec. 25 and Hanukkah on the 25th day of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar.
Eric Hallerman can tell you more at 552-7283.
The New River Valley Community Chorus will present the Christmas portion of G.F. Handel's "MESSIAH" Sunday, 3 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, Pulaski, and Monday, 8 p.m., at Central United Methodist Church, Radford.
Both concerts are free, but donations are welcome.
Lynn Loftus will direct the chorus.
For more information, call John McCandlish, 639-2671.
Sunday is the second Sunday in Advent, that period of the church calendar when Christians prepare themselves spiritually for the arrival of the Christ. Some churches have scheduled special events for Advent:
Each Tuesday during Advent at 7:30 p.m., CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, Church and Jackson streets, Blacksburg, will offer "Out of Silences," meditations based on the Gospel of St. Luke. The series continues through Dec. 21.
For more information, call the church at 552-2411.
GLADE BAPTIST CHURCH, 1600 Glade Road, Blacksburg, will have an Advent Celebration Dec. 12, 11 a.m. The choir will present the musical "Joyful, Sing Alleluia," and illustrate the message of the Christmon Tree.
Call the church at 552-3394 to learn more.
COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH at Newbern will present a living Nativity tableau on its lawn on the three remaining Thursday nights leading up to Christmas and on Christmas Eve. Each presentation will be from 7 to 8.
Lowell Haynes will preach during REVIVAL SERVICES at Grace Assembly, 2030 Redwood Drive, Christiansburg, Sunday through Thursday. Services Sunday at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., and Monday through Thursday at 7 p.m.
Pastor Bob Goldstein can tell you more at 381-0055.
GOSPEL MUSIC:
The Gospel Strings will sing at Peak Creek Mission of Prayer Church, Case Knife Road, Pulaski, tonight at 7. Call 382-4654.
Southern gospel duo Bob and Sandy Mullins of Second Chance Ministries will make several appearances this month:
Sunday at 6:30 p.m., they'll be at the Church of God of Prophecy, 812 Sixth St., Radford.
Dec. 11, at 5 p.m., they'll sing at Carter Street United Methodist Church, Radford.
Dec. 19, 10:30 a.m., they'll appear at Harris Chapel United Methodist Church in Willis.
Call 639-6271 for more information.
The fourth annual gospel sing to benefit the Montgomery County Christmas Store will be held Dec. 11, 7 p.m., at Auburn High School in Riner.
The Nippers, the Pilgrim Gospel Singers, The Martin Family and others will be onstage. Admission is $3 at the door, children under 12 free. Refreshments will be available.
Call 381-1137 or 382-1954.
The New River Valley Gospel Singers will present a candlelight service "The Songs of Christmas," Dec. 11 at First Baptist Church, 1704 West St., Radford.
Several churches have Christmas Bazaars today:
Vicker Pentecostal Holiness Church, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., in the fellowship hall of the church, Peppers Ferry Road (Virginia 114). Call 381-9796.
First Christian Church, Newport, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Lunch will be available.
Call Alva Lucas, 544-7264.
Blacksburg United Methodist Church, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Education Building on Lee Street.
Proceeds benefit the Blacksburg Seedlings play group.
Call 953-2655 or 951-2807.
First Pentecostal Holiness Church, Radford, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., in the fellowship hall, Second and Ingles streets.
Call 639-6287.
Full Gospel Grace Tabernacle, Noblin Street in Radford near Belle Heth School, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Call Shirley Price, 674-5382.
In Religion is a regular Saturday feature of the New River Current. Please send news of your church or religious organization in care of Rick Lindquist, New River Current, Roanoke Times & World-News, P.O. Box 540, Christiansburg 24073. Clear, sharp photographs accompanying news items are welcome. Items must be received by noon Wednesday for use in that week's column.
by CNB