JSU Hosts Hanukkah Celebration, Info Meeting

The Jewish Student Union (JSU) held an informational session and celebration for Hanukkah on November 19, preceding the actual holiday dates of November 28 to December 6 in B10.

Club leaders explained the significance of Hanukkah to Jewish people and shared how they celebrate the holiday. Dreidels and chocolate gold coins were distributed at the end of the meeting.

“Having clubs is a good opportunity to spread awareness about Judaism so people are generally more educated about it. Also, there’s a lot of lessons to be learned from the Jewish tradition,” said club co-president senior Jacob Young.

The holiday is a commemoration of the beginning of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire and rebirth of the 2nd Temple. It is celebrated with the lighting of the Menorah, which is a candelabrum with 9 candles. Many recite prayers and specific traditional foods like latkes, beef brisket, and matzo ball soup.

“We [give] presents, eat, and spend time with family,” said sophomore Zoe Seaman, “which is mainly just what [Christians] do for Christmas.”

“I really enjoyed learning about Hanukkah and spending time with my friends,” said junior Kian Kashayar, who attended the meeting. “It’s important to expand your horizons.”