A Happy Hanukkah In The Hamptons
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The Jewish Festival of Lights is begins December 1 with celebrations across the East End. (www.cjp.org)
Southampton – December 1 marks the first night of one of the most recognized and celebrated Jewish holidays. There are many names for it: Hannukah, Chaunukah, the Festival of Lights, but no matter what you call it, make sure to partake in the many celebrations taking place around the Hamptons to celebrate this Jewish festival of re-dedication. 
Traditional Jewish Latkes, a staple food on the Hannukah table. (http://jewishfood.files.wordpress.com)
The eight-day festival traditionally begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. according to Jewish tradition, the story of Hannukah began during the reign of famed ruled Alexander the Great, who conquered Syria, Egypt and Palestine in the third century B.C. While Alexander the Great continued to allow the people of the region celebrate their traditions and remain autonomous, one of his successors, Antiochus IV, nearly a century later, did not. Under his reign, Jews in the region were oppressed, persecuted and slaughtered. Their temple was left desecrated after Antiochus ordered the slaughtering of a non-kosher pig on the temples alter. Two groups opposed Antichos: a naturalistic group led by Mattathias the Hasmonean and his son Judah Maccabee, and a religious traditionalist group called the Chasidim. the two groups led a revolt against the Greek empire, which led to the re-dedication of the temple. according to tradition in the Talmud, at the time of the temple re-dedication, there was not enough oil to light the menorah, a candelabrum that must burn through night and day in the temple. There was only enough oil to last the menorah one day, however the oil miraculously burned for eight days, the exact amount of time it would take for the Jews to prepare more oil to keep the temple menorah burning. From this came the eight day Festival of Lights which we now know as Hannukah, the holiday that commemorates this miracle. the holiday is observed with family dinners, gift giving, games such as dreidel, and most importantly, the nightly lighting of the menorah. in the Hamptons, starting December 1, there will be a wealth of events and celebrations to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Hannukah. Enjoy special dinners, museum events, menorah lightings, parties and more. 
The Living Room c/o Maidstone will be holding a Hannukah dinner every night of the holiday beginning on December 1. (The Maidstone)
Starting on Wednesday, December 1 and lasting through December 9, the Living Room Restaurant c/o Maidstone will be hosting a Hannukah candlelit dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. the holiday slow food menu will feature a variety of traditional Jewish foods, and will be a great way to enjoy delectable Hannukah cuisine. To make a reservation or find out more about the menu, call the Maidstone at 631-324-5440. On Friday, December 3, Chabad of the Hamptons, located in East Hampton will be hosting a Shabat Chanukah Dinner. There will be menorah lighting, gourmet homemade food, and a variety of holiday treats. the dinner will begin at 3:45 p.m. Contact Goldie Baumgarten at 631-312-4286 for more information. On Saturday, December 4, the Westhampton Beach Festival of Lights will be held at the Westhampton Beach Village Green. the annual, and much looked forward to event will include free hot chocolate, caroling by the Hampton Synagogue Youth Choir, and the lighting of both a Christmas tree and menorah. the lighting ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m. call 631-288-3337 for more information. The Jewish Center of the Hamptons in East Hampton will be hosting a Hannukah party on Sunday, December 5 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. the event will include a candle lighting, songs led by Cantor Stein and Rabbi Zimmerman, a Hannukah light up show by renowned magician and juggler Keith Leaf, raffle, balloon making, face painting, Hannukah crafts and much more. the entrance fee to the event is a donation of a non-perishable food item, which will be donated to local area food pantries. the Mitzvah project will be the collection of unwrapped toys, which will be delivered to children at the Retreat. Chabad of East Hampton will be displaying a variety of menorahs created by the Conservative Synagogue of the Hamptons, Jewish Center of the Hamptons, Chabad of Southampton, Temple Adas Israel and Chabad of East Hampton at Guild Hall. the Menorahs will be constructed out of cans of food or any other practical item to be donated to each individual synagogue's charity of choice. the event will take place from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 5. Contact Goldie Baumgarten at 631-312-4286. 
The lighting of the menorah is the most important Hannukah tradition.(www.segalportraits.com)
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