Residents gather to celebrate Chanukkah

Fifty residents gathered in the Magnolia Room at the country club on Dec. 13 to celebrate the second night of Chanukkah by lighting the Canyon Lake menorah. The celebration was led by newly ordained Rabbi Stephen Epstein.

Rabbi Stephen explained the story of the holiday, shared readings from the Torah and led the audience in songs of the holiday. Afterwards, the children in attendance lit the menorah. Each child received a dreidel for their participation.

Traditional glazed and jelly doughnuts and hot drinks were served after the ceremony.

To commemorate and publicize the miracles of Chanukkah, on the first night the shamash (center candle) and the furthest candle on the right end is lit. Every succeeding night, the shamash is lit first and then the candle to the right of the last light illuminated the night before is lit. This year, the candle lighting began on December 12 and ended on December 19.

The Canyon Lake Torah Club promotes the principles of Torah in a non-denominational way and applies the principles of Torah to performing good deeds and charitable acts for the community at large. All ages are welcome. For more information, contact Torah Club President Sherry Reiter at cokette@verizon.net.