NIGHT OF LIGHTS

Irma Lemus

HILLSIDE DISTRICT -- There was the old -- traditional prayers and a

candle-lighting ceremony that date back more than 2,000 years -- and the

new -- a somewhat off-key rendition of Adam Sandler’s Hanukkah song.

About 100 people, including many children, came together at Burbank

Temple Emanu El Thursday evening to mark the seventh night of Hanukkah.

The celebrants lit the temple menorah, recited prayers and sang songs

associated with the holiday known as the Jewish Feast of Dedication.

The temple Sisterhood hosted the annual Family Hanukkah Dinner, which

raises money for youth and religious programs at the temple, said Susan

Grodsky, who coordinated the event. Other proceeds will be distributed to

charities through the Women’s League.

As the families gathered, the children -- somewhat shyly at first --

sang traditional holiday favorites like the dreidel song. Other

not-so-traditional songs, such as “They spin me yeah, yeah,” a take on

the Beatles’ tune “She Loves You,” and, of course, Adam Sandler’s

“Hanukkah Song,” were also sung.

A generous buffet of chicken, vegetables, potato latkes and other

holiday foods was served, but the guests had to answer Hanukkah trivia

questions correctly before they were given permission to load up their

plates at the buffet table.

Burbank resident Sheldon Mazo, 35, a computer technician at Kaiser,

said he attended the dinner to share in the joy and excitement of

Hanukkah with his 2-year-old daughter Samantha.

“It’s a time for celebration, to be joyful and to get together with

families,” he said.