By WEEK Producer
Children from
Peoria's Hebrew Day school constructed this 6 foot LEGO menorah on Sunday. This is the first time the Chabad of Peoria built a lego menorah. They were supposed to light it on Sunday but bad weather pushed the lighting to the last night of Chanukah. It took about 4–thousand lego pieces to build the giant menorah. Rabbi Eli Lagsham is not sure if the temple will construct a similar menorah next year.
http://www.week.com/news/local/12392051.html?video=YHI&t=a
Local Jewish leaders want you to know that Hanukkah isn't just for Jews, it's about every religion.
On the second night of the Festival of Lights, children are ready to let loose and celebrate Hanukkah. Its a time for family, presents, and of course good food.
10 year old Ashley Eggert knows, "It's a time to spend together and learn about the past of your religion."
What these kids are still learning is the deeper meaning behind the flames of the menorah.
Rabbi Eli Langsam tells us, "Hanukkah is not only for Jews. It's actually a holiday for everyone because it represents religious freedom."
Because Hanukkah and Christmas both fall in December, the two holidays can't escape comparison: Presents for the kids and an emphasis placed on lights. But the two are symbols of very different miracle.
Hanukkah marks the victory of the Jewish tribe the Maccabees over the Greek army. The tribe struggled to keep the temple oil burning.
Rabbi Langsam says "It was only enough for a day and the miracle was it lasted for 8 days. That's why we celebrate Hanukkah."
Like most events in history, its a hard concept to teach the young.
Mother Amy Willard tells us her children "grasp the concept of the fun parts of it. Lighting the menorah, opening presents and celebrating with family."
But, like most events in history, its an important lesson to pass on.
Rabbi Langsam explains, "How else can we make sure we continue Judaism if not the next generation? These are the ones who are gonna go out and spread Judaism and make sure the light continues on."
You're invited to join the Jewish community this Sunday for the lighting of the 6 foot tall Lego menorah. That starts at 4 o’clock at the Peoria Hebrew Day School.
http://centralillinoisproud.com/content/fulltext/?cid=5276
WMBD/WYZZ TV - Peoria — With the help of little hands and many small blocks, a menorah made of Legos was lit Tuesday night at Peoria Hebrew Day School.
Organizers say they created the menorah because they're always looking for something to keep children interested. An additional candle is lit each night to celebrate Hanukkah—the Jewish Festival of lights.
"We wanted to spill the darkness, and that's why it's all about light...to bring light into this world of darkness that we find ourselves in," said Rabbi Eli Langsam of Chabad Peoria.
All eight candles on the 6-foot-tall menorah were lit since it was the final night of Hanukkah. The event was postponed from Sunday because of icy conditions.
http://centralillinoisproud.com/content/fulltext/?cid=5413
Peoria children build massive Lego menorah
Children build structure for Jewish Festival of Lights
PEORIA, Ill., 2007-12-10
A dozen Peoria children are celebrating Hanukkah in an unusual way this year.
The group built a towering, multicolored seven-foot tall menorah Sunday. The massive menorah uses 4,000 Lego pieces and is part of the eight-day celebration of the Jewish Festival of Lights.
The menorah will be lit with special lanterns.
Rabbi Eli Langsam says the synagogue thought the menorah-building event was a creative way to get children involved in the holiday.