The RGV Annual Chanukah Concert and Festival will be held on Sunday, December 14 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Archer Park, 101 N. Main St. Open to all and free for the entire family.

Enjoy carnival rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, games and more. There will be live music and a concert featuring Israeli rock star Barak Grossberg. You can also enjoy hearing from local dignitaries and having Sufganiot (jelly donuts) and kosher hot dogs.

Chanakuh, or Hanukkah, is an eight-day Jewish holiday celebrating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the Second Century B.C.  

Hanukkah is the Hebrew word for “dedication.” 

The history of the holiday is tied to the time when Israel was struggling for existence. It is believed that after a successful revolt against a tyrannical monarch, the victorious Jewish community could find very little pure olive oil to light the Menorah, only enough for one day.  

However, the oil lasted for eight days, long enough to purify more oil! 

Jewish people light a candle on each of the eight evenings in remembrance of God’s provision.  

The eight cups that hold the Hanukkah candles are arranged in a row, one for each night of the holiday. Every menorah has one additional cup, a ninth cup, which is located in the center or to one side and is usually slightly elevated. 

The ninth candle is called “the shammash,” or, “one who serves.”  

Jewish tradition says the purpose of the shammash is that “Judaism gives light to the world.” 

Come celebrate the holiday tradition in McAllen.