Temple Shalom of Central Florida is hosting a menorah lighting event on Dec. 14 at Spanish Springs Square.
At the event, Rabbi Zev Sonnestein will tell the story of Hanukkah with the Temple Shalom Choir led by Samantha Sherman of Buttonwood.
There will be traditional dances and a massive hora dance led by the International Folk Dancers.
The event will begin at 2 p.m. at 1120 Main St.
Hanukkah, which is also known as the “Festival of Lights,” is celebrated over the course of eight nights every year and commemorates the recovery of Jerusalem and rededication of the Holy Temple at the beginning of the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah in Hebrew means “dedication.”
Every night during Hanukkah, Jewish people celebrate with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods such as latke (a potato pancake).
Hanukkah will take place from Dec. 7 until Dec. 15 this year. This year, members from the Temple Shalom Ritual Committee and Choir will light menorahs every night at each of the town squares. In addition, every recreation center in The Villages will have a menorah on display.
Everyone is welcome to the events. If interested in finding more information, visit tscfl.org.