It’s that time of year again: The “Christmas vs. the holidays” political-correctness wrangling is in full swing. Most of us pay lip service to religious awareness, without knowing a thing about the other holidays that fall at roughly the same time as the Christian consumerism extravaganza. But here’s our chance to learn about one of them: Hanukkah.
Dr. Alex Stecker, professor of Utah Valley University’s history and political science department, is presenting a lesson in one chapter of Jewish history—the struggle of a diminutive-yet-determined group of Jews against the Syrians for control of Jerusalem and the temple more than 2,000 years ago. Meaning “to dedicate,” Hanukkah commemorates the temple rededication and survival of the Jewish way of life. Come learn about the history of Hanukkah, the miraculous oil, menorahs, latkes, dreidels and other holiday fare.
After this initiation into Judaism, you will absolutely be able to consider yourself more religiously aware and holiday savvy.