Gary Paytas talks about how he made menorahs using galvanized pipe at his home in Redlands. Paytas and his wife Ellen Kronowitz are members of Congregation Etz Hadar. (ERIC TOM/Staff Photographer)

REDLANDS - Local Jews are gearing up for Hanukkah, which begins today at sunset.

The holiday, also called the Festival of Lights, remembers the rededication of the temple following the Jewish victory over the Syrian-Greeks 165 years before the birth of Christ. The story is that a day's worth of oil for candles miraculous lasted eight days, which is the root of the eight-day celebration.

"This year both synagogues are celebrating in Redlands, so this year we'll have more light in town," said Janice Yellon of Congregation Etz Hadar, referring to her congregation and Emanu El, which moved to Redlands during Hanukkah last year.

"It reminds us of the rededication, so Hanukkah becomes our time to dedicate and rededicate ourselves here in Redlands," said Emanu El Rabbi Douglas Kohn.

"We actually opened up here exactly a year ago, so this is our anniversary," said Emanu El member Heidi Nimmo. "It was exciting because we moved from our facility on E Street (in San Bernardino) right on Hanukkah and we were able to incorporate that into our service - we had a beautiful candlelighting there and pulled off a dinner here."

For Jews today, Hanukkah, a minor festival in the Jewish year, celebrates religious freedom, Yellon said. Potato pancakes, called latkes, are fried in oil to recall the miracle of the eight-day oil supply, she said.

Both congregations are having dinners with latkes, and Etz Hadar is also offering a salad bar,

Yellon said.

"It's like having a diet Coke and a Big Mac," she said.

The congregation is having its traditional food auction, where members make a dish they have become known for as a fundraiser, and a white elephant gift exchange. Besides its dinner, Emanu El is hosting singer Dan Bern and holding a public candlelighting on Ford Street and Patricia Drive the last evening of Hanukkah.

"It'll be a large and festive event," Kohn said.

On Thursday, the Inland & Desert Region Hillel Council, a Jewish campus organization, is hosting a regional, by-invitation Hanukkah celebration at the University of Redlands' University Club. Local university officials and faculty have been invited and students will perform traditional music, according to director Adina Hemley.

"Redlands is one of the more active campuses, so this year we're having our regional Hanukkah party there," she said.

Yellon said Hanukkah does not involve as much time at the synagogue like High Holy Days Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

"We're more involved at home and with our families," said Yellon, who said additional prayers are said for Hanukkah.

Families and congregations light a hanukkiyah, a candelabrum with eight candleholders in a row and a ninth candleholder set above the others. Many families exchange gifts each night as well.

REDLANDS HANUKKAH EVENTS

FRIDAY: Redlands Hillel celebrates Hanukkah at the University of Redlands' Multicultural Center from 5 to 6:30 p.m. There will be dreidels to play with, food and a presentation of the story of Hanukkah. Congregation Emanu El is having services with candlelighting at 6:30 p.m., with a "Lotsa Latkes" potluck following.

SUNDAY: The Sisterhood of Congregation Emanu El will hold a gift shop sale, featuring menorahs, candles, cards and other Hanukkah gifts from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The congregation is hosting a Hanukkah dinner from 5 to 7 p.m., with a performance by a local band. Cost is $12 per adult and $8.50 child. Call the office for reservations. Congregation Etz Hadar is holding a Hanukkah party and food auction at 5 p.m. Guests can bring candles or purchase them from the congregation's gift shop. Cost is $9 per person, or $36 per family. RSVP to Marla Drake at marla@tabs-inc.com or 909-556-5900.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 8: Congregation Emanu El is holding a public candlelighting at 6:45 p.m. at Ford Street and Patricia Drive. Dan Bern will give a concert at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children.

INFORMATION: Congregation Emanu El - 1473 Ford St., Redlands. 909-307-0400; cee@emanuelsb.org. Congregation Etz Hadar - 516 Texas St., Redlands. 909-792-8792; congregationetzhadar@yahoo.com. University of Redlands - www.iehillel.org

E-mail Staff Writer Joy Juedes at jjuedes@redlandsdailyfacts.com