Celebration of Chanukah, the ‘Festival of Lights’
filed in Event on 09 Dec 2015
The start of Jewish Chanukah or the Festival of Lights was celebrated on 6th December at a well attended gathering in Isleworth. Members of the local Orthodox and Liberal Jewish community explained the history and traditions of the event and lit candles on examples of the nine branched menorah, or candelabra. Guests enjoyed music and traditional food such as potato cakes known as latkes and doughnuts. In Jewish families token gifts are given to children, in the past silver threepences, and now chocolate coins, explained Debbie Brenner.
The festival commemorates the Jewish people’s successful fight to worship their religion freely over 2000 years ago in 162 BCE.
‘Hounslow synagogue sadly had to close in 2008 due to falling numbers which limits the opportunity for personal contacts and information sharing with the Jewish community. We were delighted to accept the offer by Brentford and Isleworth Quakers to host the occasion’ said Basil Mann.
The event was organised by Hounslow Friends of Faith and attended by 50 people representing many faiths and beliefs. The vote of thanks was given by Abdul Majid, trustee of the Hounslow Jamia Mosque. ‘We are all one family and must look after each other’ he said’.
See Gallery for more pictures.