Shedding Light on Hanukkah

A treasure hunt for Hanukkah lamps will require participants to travel through the Skirball Museum galleries. It’s one of several cultural journeys at the Sunday festival that shines light on Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, which begins Friday at sundown.

Explaining and sharing the holiday with people of all faiths is one of the Hanukkah Festival’s goals.

“This is a holiday where people fought for their religious victories,” says Rabbi Uri D. Herscher, president and CEO of the museum. “That particular victory is a victory not just for Jewish people, but for all people.”

The festival gives those unfamiliar with the story of Hanukkah a “great opportunity to learn about a new holiday,” says Amina Sanchez, assistant program director. (The incident that led to Hanukkah is said to have happened about 165 BC, when Jewish rebels recaptured Jerusalem, then used a scant amount of oil to keep a temple lighted for eight days.)

“So many people who come say, ‘I’ve heard of Hanukkah and what it is, but what do you do?’ ” she says. “Many people haven’t celebrated the holiday in the way they’d like to now. They can learn the songs and take them back into their homes.”

Art workshops, family theater, storytelling and live music will be presented along with a rededication of the museum’s permanent galleries, at 2 p.m. More than 3,000 people are expected to attend.

Readings, Storytelling and Traditional Foods

“The word ‘Hanukkah’ means rededication,” says Adele Lander Burke, director of museum administration and education. “Originally, it was a time to rededicate the temple, so we thought it would be a good time to rededicate the galleries, which recently underwent a major expansion.”

Before, or after, spying Gov. Gray Davis--one of the luminaries scheduled to attend the rededication ceremonies--families can:

* Make a variety of crafts, including a wooden Hanukkah lamp, small oil lamps out of clay, a blessings board that teaches three blessings said when a Hanukkah candle is lighted, and puppets that can be decorated to look like Maccabees, the Jewish fighters who are the heroes of the Hanukkah story.

* Attend “Immigrants,” a one-woman show presented by Lauren Levian at 11:30 a.m. The 45-minute play follows the journey of a Russian Jew, her spirited 12-year-old daughter and an Irish immigrant as they make their way in Chicago.

* Hear actor Fred Savage read two Hanukkah books, “Latkes, Latkes Good to Eat” by Naomi Howland, and “The Menorah Story” by Mark Podwal, beginning at 1:15 p.m. in the museum auditorium. Pictures from the books will be projected on a big screen.

* Listen to the Brandeis-Bardin International Klezmer Ensemble, which will play two 45-minute sets beginning at 11:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. The band takes a swing approach to instrumental Jewish folk music, or as Sanchez describes it: “It’s traditional klezmer with a fusion of Sephardic jazz swing and Middle Eastern music.”

* Watch as candles are lighted to mark the third night of Hanukkah, then join Wally Schachet-Brisaen--popularly known as Cantor Wally--as he leads singing of traditional Hanukkah songs, complete with song sheets for those less familiar with the music.

* Eat traditional foods such as jelly doughnuts and more unorthodox fare. The chef has cooked up latkes, potato pancakes that feature cilantro and salsa or wild mushrooms.

Other Hanukkah events this weekend:

* Flights of Fantasy Storytelling Troupe tells Hanukkah, Christmas and winter solstice stories Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at Kidspace Museum, 390 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. $5, $2.50 for children 1-3, free under 1. (626) 449-9144.

* Pages Books for Children and Young Adults will present “Lights, Latkes & Love,” stories to celebrate the beginning of Hanukkah, Saturday at 11 a.m., 18399 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana. For children ages 3 to 8. $3 craft fee can be applied toward purchase. (818) 342-6657.

* “Hanukkah at Home” concert at Temple Menorah will feature Dan Crow, Uncle Ruthie and Pam Wood, Sunday at 3 p.m., 1101 Camino Real, Redondo Beach. $7. (310) 316-8444.

BE THERE

Hanukkah Festival at Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. $8, children under 12 free. Free parking at center’s lot and nearby Stephen S. Wise Temple, 15500 Stephen S. Wise Drive, with continuous shuttle service. Car-pooling recommended. (310) 440-4500.