Students from The Nezvesky School For Religious Education, affiliated with Congregation Adath Israel on Huntingtown Road, took part in the congregation’s annual Hanukkah program on Sunday, December 21, in the temple’s sanctuary.

David Smith, the school’s education chairman, looked on as Dalia Coleman, the school’s director, rehearsed with the students who were about to perform in the Hanukkah program.

During the colorful event, the costumed children read from scripts, explaining the eight-day Jewish holiday, sometimes known as The Festival of Lights.

Rabbi Shaul Praver provided musical accompaniment, playing the violin and guitar.

Parents and friends sat in the audience, watching and listening as the pageantry unfolded.

“Traditionally, the Hanukkah program is a time for parents to join their children…as the students present the stories of the holiday, participate in the Hanukkah contest, and enjoy latkes and other Hanukkah treats,” Mr Smith said.

Following a skit that told the story of Hanukkah, the children took part in a contest in which Chanukiyahs, or menorahs, which they had made were judged and prizes were awarded.

After the contest, the children and their parents enjoyed latkes and jelly donuts, among other Hanukkah treats. Latkes are potato pancakes.

Congregation Adath Israel was founded in the 1900s by a small group of Jews who fled poverty and persecution in Eastern Europe. Their first synagogue was built in 1919 and the first rabbi arrived in 1923. In September 2007, the congregation opened its current synagogue at 115 Huntingtown Road.