4 holiday traditions Honoring Heritage [ ] LOCAL FAMILY FUN Spoiler alert: togetherness with loved ones seemed to rise to the top in every household!
Each year as the holidays draw closer, so do my nerves in planning. Logistics, meal prep, schedules and expectations seem to consume the holiday spirit. If there is anything good to come of the pandemic this year, it has made me reevaluate what is truly important and what can be left by the wayside. Four families share how their holiday traditions are typically observed and how they are still creating special moments in spite of the challenges 2020 has presented.
BY KIRSTEN HOLDER . PHOTOS PROVIDED.
Hanukkah Dec. 10-18 Pamela Richman is a mother and former director at Camp Chavirm in Oklahoma City and says family celebrations are more important now than ever. Hanukkah is typically a three week celebration, and the dates change with the Jewish calendar, which is a combination of the lunar and solar calendars. In contrast to the production of Christmas, Hanukkah is usually a quiet holiday to celebrate with family and friends. Hanukkah is translated as “dedication” in Hebrew and historically celebrates when the Jewish people rose up against oppression in the second century B.C. Currently, this holiday is sometimes called the Festival of Lights and is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games and gifts. The Richman family plans to celebrate with their closest friends and family. Food traditions include items made with oil,
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honoring the miracle of the oil lasting for eight days. While they may not be making a few thousand latkes (potato pancakes) or sufganiyot (Israeli jelly donuts), it will still be a special occasion. “Lighting menorah candles in the windows is especially meaningful this year due to division within our country,” said Richman. “The lighting of the menorah not only helps us remember and honor the oppression of our people but also is a visual stand against anti-semitism and racism in our world today. That principle is very important within Judaism.” Richman’s children are now at an age where they may be hosting their own celebrations, but either virtually or in person, they will find a way to celebrate together, too. “Hanukkah should always be something you look forward to and enjoy sharing with friends and family,” said Richman.
THE RICHMAN FAMILY CELEBRATES HANUKKAH WITH FAVORITE FOODS AND CLOSE FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
8 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020
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