Members of the Jewish Student Union (JSU) offered jelly-filled doughnut holes and chocolate coins, known as gelt, in celebration of the first day of Hanukkah in Commons this past Tuesday. Also adorning the table in the Commons lobby were dreidels, an electric Menorah and information cards about Hanukkah traditions. JSU members enthusiastically imparted their own knowledge about Hanukkah and about the Jewish culture to the curious. JSU shares other Jewish traditions and holidays, such as Passover, with the community as well. The club also hosts weekly Shabbat services in Kemper Chapel. Normally Hanukkah takes place during winter break, but this year, the holiday coincides with school days. Because of this, Phillips Academy students, especially boarders, cannot observe these religious traditions with their families but must celebrate them at school. Naomi Sobelson ’08, co-head of JSU, was happy despite being unable to celebrate the holiday with her family. “I love sharing the holidays with my friends,” she said. Hanukkah lasts eight days and features the illumination of the Menorah, which has nine branches, for each of the eight days. The ninth candle is used to light the other candles. The lighting of the Menorah celebrates an ancient phenomenon where an amount of oil, sufficient to burn only a day, burned for eight days. The significance of oil during this holiday is manifested in the prevalence of oil within the foods traditionally eaten during Hanukkah. Grated potatoes are fried in oil, a dish known as latkes. JSU also provided oil-fried jelly doughnut holes, known as suvganiot, to represent this tradition. During the lighting of the Menorah, members of JSU sang a Hebrew blessing in Commons. Part of the Hanukkah tradition involves singing three prayers every night for all eight days, and a new song is sung each day. JSU has begun planning for Jewish Cultural Week that will take place from January 18 to January 20. Jewish Cultural Week will feature a cappella group performances, bagel brunches, a Seinfeld Fest, Jewish trivia, and more.
