How the Saskatoon Jewish community is celebrating Hanukkah
Sunday marked the first day of Hanukkah, also known as the festival of lights.
The eight day holiday celebrates the victory of a small Jewish army called the Maccabees and how they defeated a Syrian army that ruled over Jerusalem.
"It's a time that we think about what it means to be a Jew, when we dedicate ourselves to our faith. Hanukkah actually means dedication or rededication and spread the message of religious freedom," said Rabbi Raphael Kats, with the Chabad Jewish Centre in Saskatoon.
To celebrate that religious freedom, 25 menorah-topped cars at Meadows Market paraded though the city, travelling along 8th Street to the farmers market to light a grand menorah.
"It's important to show that you don't have to hide your faith, especially when there's haters around, there's anti-Semitism around, it's very important for the Jewish community to know that they can celebrate freely and openly," Kats said.
Menorahs, oily food and dreidels are some of the symbols that represent the holiday. The oily foods symbolize a small amount of oil that miraculously burned for eight days instead of one when the Jews rededicated a temple over 2,000 years ago.
A SENSE OF COMMUNITY
Hanukkah has a special meaning for Lauren Kronick who moved to Saskatoon from Toronto almost three years ago. Kronick says it’s the first time they're celebrating the holiday in person since living here.
"It's extra special to be in the same room with people who share your culture and religion and you can celebrate together," Kronick said.
Kronick says the sense of belonging they've gained in the Jewish community is something Hanukkah is all about.
'It's amazing to be in a room full of Jewish community members that I don't know and [have] it feel like home. It's like a home away from home since I'm not with my family right now."
For each day of Hanukkah, a new candle will be lit on the menorah until Dec. 6.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
In his new book 'As Long as You Need', hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.