Students in Jillian Opalech’s second grade class at Leonard Elementary had a cultural lesson last Wednesday when they learned about the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.
Beth Varner, who’s son, Ben, attends the school, visited Opalech’s class to talk about the holiday, which began at sundown on Dec. 4 and lasts eight days.
Varner taught children about how Hanukkah marks the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean Revolt. There was only enough oil to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days.
Afterward, Varner and her son taught the class about lighting the Menorah and recited Hebrew blessings when lighting the candles.
Students also got to enjoy tasty potato pancakes, or Latkes, with applesauce that were made by Varner.