No reflection of Christmas, Hanukkah shines with its own lights.

Puppets will act out a story with a Jewish theme, and youngsters will make Hanukkah cards for Soviet Jews. Tasty potato pancakes called latkes will be enjoyed, and candles will be lighted on giant candelabras called menorahs. Homemade crafts will be sold, and a comic character called Menorah Man will pass out toys to youngsters.

It’s all part of the South Bay’s celebration of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights that commemorates the Jewish recapture of the temple in Jerusalem from Syrian Greeks in 165 BC.

According to tradition, after the Jews retook the temple, they found only enough oil to keep the Eternal Light burning for one day. A miracle occurred, however, and the oil lasted for eight days. During the eight days of the Hanukkah celebration, one candle is lit each night.

Through a minor holiday in the Jewish faith, Hanukkah has mushroomed in importance because it overlaps the Christmas season--the first night of Hanukkah coming this year on Dec. 22, when a single candle is lit. The proximity of the Christian and Jewish holidays has created what some have termed the “December dilemma”--and different views of the holiday are being reflected in the South Bay Hanukkah observance.

At Temple Menorah in Redondo Beach, Hanukkah events are focused on rescuing the holiday from being celebrated as the Jewish answer to Christmas. Susie Dworitz, chairman of the Hanukkah fair the temple is holding on Sunday, says Jews battle “Santa Claustrophobia,” adding: “We observe the holiday in the context of Judaism, not a contender for Christmas. It’s a way to come together, have a little fun and quiet the commercials of Christmas.”

But Rabbi Eli Hecht of Chabad of South Bay and Palos Verdes painted a more ecumenical picture of his Hanukkah events, which will be highlighted by a community rally Dec. 24. He said celebrations by different religions at the same time “bring out the better part of all religions,” adding: “Hanukkah is a message of freedom to all people and all races. It’s not limited to Jews.”

The Chabad rally, from 1 to 5 p.m. at 24412 Narbonne Ave. in Lomita, will feature games and pony rides for children and the lighting of a menorah at 4:30 p.m. Menorah Man, who wears a distinctive T-shirt and a funny hat, will give children gifts, including the traditional tops called dreidels and Hanukkah gelt, which are chocolates wrapped in gold paper to look like coins.

Also as part of Hanukkah, Chabad will hold a book and gift fair at its Lomita center on Dec. 16 from 8 to 10 p.m. and on Dec. 17 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a seniors party Dec. 27 at 10 a.m., also at the center.

The Temple Menorah fair, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1101 Camino Real, will include puppet entertainment, children’s crafts, Israeli dancing for adults and a book fair. Children aged 6 to 10 will make Hanukkah cards for Soviet Jews. “While they’ll be having fun and frivolity, it’s reminding our students that there is more to the season than just having fun and games,” said Dworitz.

The fair is free, but there is a charge for the buffet lunch of latke and brisket of beef of $7 for adults and $3.50 for children aged 4 to 10; it’s free for children under 3. Lunch reservations may be made at 316-8444.

The temple is also offering a seminar on what Hanukkah means and how to celebrate it. Rabbi Steven L. Silver said the free event Tuesday at 7 p.m. is aimed at extricating Hanukkah from Christmas. “It forces Jewish parents to strengthen the Jewish holiday, which is not Christmas, and to build a Jewish pride and identity,” he said. Baby-sitting will be provided at the seminar by reservation.

In other parts of the South Bay, Temple Beth El, 1435 W. 7th St., San Pedro, has a Hanukkah Boutique and Country Fair on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free event will feature food, drawings for prizes, and sale of hand-made crafts, including menorahs and candles for the Hanukkah celebration. The temple is also sponsoring a seminar on the meaning of Hanukkah in a private home. Information is available at 833-2467.

Also on Sunday, Congregation Ner Tamid of South Bay will light a large outdoor menorah at 9 a.m. at the temple, 5721 Crestridge Road, Rancho Palos Verdes. The temple will also hold a Hanukkah luncheon for seniors Dec. 20 at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $4.

In Gardena, the sisterhood of Southwest Temple Beth Torah, 14725 S. Gramercy Place, will give a Hanukkah party Dec. 23 at 7 p.m., featuring latkes, games and dancing. Admission is $5, $2.50 for children.

A Hanukkah party for singles will be held Dec. 24 at 8 p.m. at the South Bay Jewish Community Center, 22410 Palos Verdes Blvd., Torrance. Admission is $4. “There’ll be fun, music and lively people,” said Nancy Linden, the center’s program coordinator.

The center also will have a Hanukkah brunch for seniors--with latkes the specialty--on Dec. 28 at 11:30 a.m. The fee is $3 for center members, $4 for others. Reservations should be made by Dec. 22 at 540-8416.

Entertainment will be by the Hadassah Music Ensemble, and the seniors will be invited to sing along.