Transcript-Hanukkah

Rabbi Yosef Goldman is lighting these candles for the Festival of Lights, also known as Hanukkah.

He has done it many times over his 39 years.

This year will be the fifth year he celebrates the holiday in Fredericton, and his second year in the role as rabbi.The miracle of Hanukkah comes from the story of sacred oil burning for eight days when it was only meant for one.

“We basically celebrate the idea that even though it’s winter, even though it’s dark, we still have light, we still have the festivities.”

Rabbi Goldman was born in Toronto, but moved to Israel when he was four years old.

He says it was a dream come true for his parents to live in a land of their own.

While most of his family are still back in Israel Rabbi Goldman now leads the Sgoolai Israel Synagogue.  He is the organizer for this year’s Hanukkah party.

“We have a party, usually on Sunday, because that’s the day that everyone has off.  On Saturday, we’re not allowed to light candles so we would light them before.  When Saturday goes out, which is after the stars come out on Saturday night, that’s when we would light them.”

The Fredericton Jewish community has 68 families, many of whom have their roots in the city going back to the 19th Century.

Many came to Canada from European countries to escape persecution.  Many of the members, including the rabbi, travel to Israel to celebrate Jewish holidays.

“Although Rabbi Goldman is thousands of miles away from Israel, he still understands the importance of celebrating Hanukkah with family and friends right here in Fredericton. For STU journalism I’m Alanah Duffy.”