Jewish members of the Pattaya City Expats Club came together to celebrate the start of Hanukkah.
Ten members met at Central Park 4/2 Village Dec. 20 for the festival of lights, or “chag ha urim.” After lighting the candles, the attendees sang prayers for peace in the family before enjoying a sumptuous meal together.
Members Judith Edmonds said Hanukkah marks the time when the temple had been desecrated by the Romans and Judah Macabee and his men fought the Romans who fled.
Guests bond together to light one of the menorah candles
Above the ark in the temple, the everlasting light burnt, powered by oil. There was only enough oil left to burn for one day. The journey to buy more consecrated oil would take eight days. When the man returned with the oil eight days later, the everlasting light was still burning. Hence the Menorah, the eight-branch candelabra, is lit every night for eight days; one extra branch is lit each night.
PCEC Treasurer Judith Edmonds and Les Edmonds (standing) welcome guests to their home to celebrate Hanukkah together.
