Chabad Edelman Jewish Center will observe the start of Chanukah beginning Sunday night, Dec. 2.

Chanukah, an eight-day celebration, commemorates the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem following the Jews’ victory over the ancient Greeks who sought to prevent them from practicing their faith.

Rabbi Mendy Lipskier said Chanukah also propagates the universal message that good will ultimately prevail.

Festivities beginning at 5 p.m. will involve the Fountain Hills Fire Department lighting the Shamash on the 12-foot menorah. Chocolate gelt will “rain” from the aerial ladder.

Chanukah gelt refers to chocolate coins given to children during the festival.

Giving gelt symbolizes the freedom and mandate to channel material wealth toward spiritual ends.

Tzipi Lipskier, co-director with her husband of Chabad of Fountain Hills, said a free raffle will be held for one individual to be lifted in the bucket with the firefighters.

Lipskier said the decision to honor firefighters symbolizes the positive light the firefighters provide in the community.

Chabad, an international organization inspired by the leadership of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, has more than 3,000 centers worldwide and is the largest network of Jewish and social services in the world.

Chabad sponsors thousands of public menorah lightings across the country, from the White House lawn to the streets of midtown Manhattan to Union Square in San Francisco to malls and parks from coast to coast.

The event is free and open to the community.

Havurah party

The newly formed Fountain Hills Beth Havigot Havurah will celebrate Chanukah on the second night of the holiday from 5 to 8 p.m., Monday, Dec. 3, in the home of a member.

Traditional food – latkes (potato pancake) and sufganyot (donuts) and other goodies – music, games and the telling of the Chanukah story will be featured.

The cost is $15. To reserve a place or receive more information about the Havurah, contact Susie Pringle at 480-471-7339.