TAHOE VISTA, Calif. and#8212; North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation (NTHC) is celebrating the fourth night of Chanukah, Saturday, Dec. 4, 5-9 p.m. with a Chanukah party filled with games, live music and great food. Included in the nights festivities will be the lighting of the Menorah, a traditional brisket and latke dinner, BINGO, Dreidel game and childrenand#8217;s activities. The Sisterhood Gift shop will be open with Chanukah and other Jewish themed items including wrapping paper, Menorahs, and other gifts. The entire community is welcome to this fun, family-friendly event. Jew and non-Jews alike are welcome to attend to celebrate the traditions of Chanukah. RSVP is a must. Tickets are $25 for the whole family or $12 per adult and $6 per child (age 8 -12). Children under 8 are free. RSVP to Rose rlorenstein@gmail.com or call 530-546-2559.

Chanukah (or Hanukkah or a variety of other spellings) is also called the Festival of Lights. Chanukah means rededication and is an eight-night minor Jewish holiday celebrating the return of the Jewish Temple from the Greeks. The story is told there was only enough oil to light the flames at the temple for one day; however, miraculously, the oil burned for eight days.

In 2010, Chanukah began at sundown, Dec. 1 and runs to sunset on Dec. 9. Each night, an additional candle is lit in a Menorah, a candle holder which holds eight candles and one additional helper. A Traditional Chanukah game is Dreidel, a top with Hebrew letters printed on the four sides. Traditional foods include potato latkes (or potato pancakes) and jelly donuts (named sufganiyot). Both of these foods follow the custom of eating fried foods during this time to celebrate the miracle of the oil.

The NTHC Chanukah party will celebrate all of these traditions, North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation, 7000 Latone Avenue in Tahoe Vista. Go to http://www.tahoetemple.org or phone 530-546-0895.

and#8212; Rabbi Anne Persin