18 minute read
NEWS FEATURES
from Sunday Signal 121822
by Signal
HANUKKAH
Tradition is a major component of the Jewish faith, so it’s no surprise that tradition plays such a central role during the celebration of Hanukkah.
Although some are quick to note Hanukkah is not one of the major Jewish holidays, it is celebrated in a very public fashion. Hanukkah celebrants make the holiday more high profile by displaying menorahs in prominent locations and participating in holiday meals.
Like other Jewish holidays, Hanukkah is shrouded in tradition. Hanukkah means “dedication” or “induction” in Hebrew. The holiday begins on the 25th of Kislev and can occur in either November or December. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah includes menorah displays, traditional foods and games and songs. This year, it starts on Sunday, Dec. 18.
Hanukkah rose to prominence thanks in part to the story of faith and miracle behind its inception. Antiochus IV was a Greek sovereign in control of the region of Syria, Egypt and Palestine, where many Jews resided. Antiochus began to oppress the Jews, prohibiting the practice of the Jewish religion and desecrating the Jewish Temple. Opposition to Antiochus grew, and a group led by Mattathias the Hasmonean and his son, Judah Maccabee, took on the Syrian army. They were successful in their efforts to combat religious oppression, and the Temple was subsequently rededicated. The Talmud states that, at the time of the rededication, there was very little oil left that had not been defiled by the Greeks. This posed a problem because oil was needed to burn the Temple menorah throughout the night every night. However, there was only enough left for one night’s illumination. Miraculously, that oil burned for eight nights, leading to the development of an eight-day festival to commemorate this miracle. Because Hanukkah is about the miracle of the oil and the lasting flame, oil and candles factor heavily in the holiday. A nine-armed menorah called the hanukiah is lit, and one candle is lit on each of the eight nights of the celebration. The last branch of the candelabra holds the shamash (servant) candle. The organization Reform Judaism says the traditional song “Ma’oz Tzur (Rock of Ages)” is sung after the lighting of the candles each night and at other times throughout the holiday. Foods fried in oil, including latkes and jelly doughnuts, are consumed as well.
Celebrants play games with a dreidel, a German-based spinning top, and giving to charity is encouraged. Hanukkah is one of the few times of the year when rabbis permit games of chance. The letters atop the dreidel stand for the first letter of each word in the Hebrew statement “Neis gadol hayah sham,” which translates to “A great miracle happened there,” and refers to the defeat of the Syrian army and the rededication of the Temple (MC)
The Meaning Behind the Menorah
The menorah is perhaps the most recognizable symbol of Hanukkah. Displayed in homes, and often in windows, each year, the menorah is a nine-branched candelabrum that symbolizes Hanukkah and much more.
Menorahs have been part of the Jewish faith since ancient times. Isaiah 42:6 indicates that the menorah is a symbol of the nation of Israel, and its mission is to be a “light unto nations.” After being liberated from slavery in Egypt, the Jews were commanded by God to make the original menorah, which at the time featured seven branches. The seven arms were believed to refer to the seven days of creation. The menorah was lit every evening and cleaned every morning. The wicks were replaced and fresh, consecrated olive oil was put into the cups to keep the flame alive.
After the Second Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed and desecrated by the Romans, there remained only enough sealed, consecrated olive oil left to light the menorah for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, giving the Jews enough time to make new consecrated oil. This became known as the Hanukkah miracle.
While the original menorahs were seven-branched, the Hanukkah menorah, or Chanukiah (Hanukkiah), became a nine-branched version lit only during the holiday. According to the Jewish holiday site Breaking Matzo, celebrants light a new candle or wick on each night of Hanukkah.
The ninth night, called the Shamash (“helper” or “servant”), is used to light all the other candles or oil lamps. To be kosher, the Shamash must be placed on a different level than the eight other candles.
After both temples were destroyed, a new tradition developed in which Jews did not replicate anything from the destroyed temples. As a result, menorahs used in many Jewish services, apart from Hanukkah, no longer had seven branches.
Six-branched menorahs became popular in some synagogues. However, the Jewish Virtual Library indicates that some rabbis have gone back to seven-armed menorahs for regular services because the modern ones are electrified and, therefore, cannot possibly be duplicates of the original Temple menorah.
Lighting the Hanukkah menorah gives celebrants the ability to embrace the holiness of the holiday and take a small part in Jewish history. (MC)
NEWS FEATURE
By Michele E. Buttelman
Signal Staff Writer
Bakers across the country have been reporting that tried-and-true cookie recipes have failed in record numbers during the past year due to a change in the manufacture of basic cooking staples. Butter, shortening and flour have all been suspected as the culprits in these baking fails.
Crisco has changed its recipe to remove trans fats, so be advised that taste and texture of baked goods may not be the same. Some bakers have switched to store brand shortening or lard, which reportedly produces better results.
Fat content in most commercially produced butter is also now suspect. Bakers report using butter from grassfed cows, or a butter with a higher known fat content may be needed for successful results.
Using a higher quality flour is also being recommended by many bakers. Gold Medal or King Arthur are two flours receiving consistently high marks from bakers.
Christmas Cookies 2022
Christmas cookies are part of our family heritage. Every family has “that” cookie that means “the holidays.”
Many Christmas cookies are recipes brought by immigrants to our shores and handed down through generations.
This Christmas try a few of these holiday recipes from around the world.
Austria: Linzer Cookies
A friend of mine made these cookies every Christmas. I’m glad she passed her recipe on to me. 1-1/4 cups butter, softened 1 cup sugar 2 large eggs, room temperature 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking cocoa 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves 2 cups ground almonds 6 tablespoons seedless raspberry jam 3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour, cocoa, salt and spices; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in almonds. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle. Preheat oven to 350°. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 2-1/2-in. round cookie cutter. From the center of half the cookies, cut out a 1-1/2-in. shape. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Spread bottom of each solid cookie with 1/2 teaspoon jam. Sprinkle cutout cookies with confectioners’ sugar; carefully place over jam.
Russia: Tea Cakes
These Russian Tea Cakes are a cookie that I remember making 60 years ago with my grandmother on my mother’s side. We don’t have Russian roots, but the recipe was given to my great-grandmother by a friend who had Russian heritage. 1 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup finely chopped nuts Additional confectioners’ sugar In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in vanilla. Combine dry ingredients; gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in nuts. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. Preheat oven to 350°. Roll into 1-in. balls. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake until lightly browned, 12-13 minutes. Roll in confectioners’ sugar while still warm. Cool on wire racks.
Scotland: Shortbread
My grandfather had Scottish roots. This shortbread recipe was passed down by his mother. 2 cups butter, softened 1 cup packed brown sugar 4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Nothing says the holidays like a plate filled with homemade Christmas cookies from around the world. PHOTO COURTESY SILVIA FROM PIXABAY.
Preheat oven to 325°. Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add 3-3/4 cups flour; mix well. Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead for 5 minutes, adding enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. On a sheet of parchment, roll dough to a 16x9-inch rectangle. Transfer to a baking sheet, and cut into 3x1-in. strips. Prick each cookie multiple times with a fork. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes or overnight. Chilling the dough is the secret to success for these cookies. Separate cookies and place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake until cookies are lightly browned, 2025 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Italy: Italian Christmas Cookies
There are many different kinds of Italian Christmas Cookies including Neapolitan Cookies, Pignoli Cookies and Italian Butter Cookies. This is my favorite recipe, given to my mother by a friend of the family. This recipe goes back generations.
Cookies
6 large eggs, room temperature 5 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups confectioners’ sugar 2 tablespoons plus 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 cup shortening 3 teaspoons almond extract 1-1/2 teaspoons lemon extract
Glaze
3-3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar 1/2 cup warm 2% milk 1 teaspoon almond extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Colored sprinkles Using a heavy-duty mixer, beat eggs on high speed until light and foamy, about 5 minutes; set aside. In a large bowl, combine the flour, confectioners’ sugar and baking powder; on low speed, gradually beat in shortening and extracts until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Gradually add beaten eggs (dough will be stiff). Roll dough into 1-in. balls. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 12-14 minutes (tops of the cookies will not brown, but bottoms should brown slightly). Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, milk and extracts until smooth. As soon as cookies are removed from the oven, quickly dip 2 or 3 at a time into glaze. Remove with a slotted spoon or tongs; place on wire racks to drain. Immediately top with sprinkles. Let dry for 24 hours before storing in airtight containers.
NEWS FEATURE SCV
Keith Hagedorn and Misty Gloudeman stroll past 277705 Essex Place in Valencia. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL
By Jim Walker Signal Staff Writer
For many of us, a trip out to view the holiday light displays is a must-do this time of year. And, if possible, those displays just keep getting more amazing every season. From meditative luminarias to good old-fashioned wooden reindeer, to blowup, light and music extravaganzas that can probably be seen from space, there is something for everyone, and everything for some. Here we offer you the best of that, with a few insights and updates.
Transit Light Tour
Tonight (Dec. 18) will be your final opportunity to enjoy the Santa Clarita Transit Holiday Light Tour. The tour departs from the McBean Regional Transit Center and lasts approximately 45 minutes, visiting some of the city’s best light displays (does not include Wakefield Court).
Trips depart every 15 minutes, beginning at 6 p.m., with the final tour leaving at 9 p.m. Tickets are first-come, first-served and can be purchased when boarding for $3 per person or are free with the donation of a canned food item. All canned foods collected will be donated to the Santa Clarita Food Pantry.
For more information contact Santa Clarita Transit at (661) 294-1BUS (1287) or visit SantaClaritaTransit.com.
Old Town Newhall
You might have missed the Light Up Main Street event in November, but Old Town Newhall continues to be a twinkling winter wonderland throughout the holiday season, anchored by the Christmas tree at the library. Stroll down Main Street and visit the shops, theaters and restaurants in a snow globe-worthy atmosphere.
Street/neighborhood displays
Wakefield Winter Wonderland Wakefield
Court, Saugus, through Dec. 25 from 5:30 - 10:30 p.m.
For many years now, Wakefield Court has been the big boss of holiday lighting in the SCV. Thus, it is incredibly busy during peak hours. But that’s part of the show. Just take it very slow on the drive through or park a few blocks away and do it by foot. There is almost too much to see, and the neighborhood is welcoming. However, the neighbors do request you be respectful, patient and neighborly, yourself.
Drive/walk with caution and be aware of the children that may move about quickly. Use the trash cans placed out or take it back to your car. Remember that some homes have children sleeping in them while the festivities take place. There are no public restrooms. Reindeer Lane Grandview Drive, Valencia, from 5:30 - 11 p.m. Misty Right Light Show Misty Ridge Place, Canyon Country from 5 - 9:30 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and 5 - 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Canterwood Drive South of Copper Hill near Bouquet Canyon Road. Homestead Holiday Homestead Place near Copper Hill Drive and Paragon Drive. Ash Court Saugus, just off Deodar Place near Seco Canyon Road. Brooks Circle Off Poe Parkway, in Stevenson Ranch Luminaria Lane Clearidge Drive, Essex Place,
The Holmes family stops their truck to take photos of the lights on 23501 Clearidge Drive in Valencia.
NEWS FEATURE
Special Homes
Holiday Light Spectacular 27732 Briarcliff Place, Valencia, through Jan. 8 from 6:30 - 11 p.m. “Our 2022 fundraising page for the National Brain Tumor Society just went live. If you like the show, please consider a donation to NBTS at nbtsevents.braintumor.org/ Lights-on-Briarcliff.” Roberson Lightshow 23235 Cuestport Dr., Valencia Quires Winter Wonderland 23551 Chatfield Way, Valencia, through Jan. 1. Fridays and Saturdays 5:30 - 10 p.m. Other days 5:30 - 9 p.m. Reindeer Road 27705 Essex Place, Valencia, through Dec. 31 from 5 - 10 p.m. Silas Family Lightshow 25437 Plaza Escovar, Valencia, through Dec. 31 from 5 - 10 p.m. Robert and Danny at it again 27747 Sequoia Glen Dr., Valencia. “My love for Christmas decorating started back when I was in junior high and my mom asked me to put the lights up for her,” said Robert Cowan. “I think I ended up doing four or five of the posts on our block that year, and Christmas really took off on the block. It was great to see all the neighbors get into it and turn our block into something magical.” He and Danny continue that wonder in Valencia. “This year we did away with a bunch of the giant, inflatable things, added some custom programmable lights to the garage door and 12 foot Christmas tree and got a fake snow machine. It really brings a nice feeling of community to see all the families walk or drive by to enjoy out little light show.” Rio Bosque Photo Op 27117 Rio Bosque Drive, Valencia. Scott Smith, wife Kate Santiago and son Kamden want you to know that “Christmas has always been our favorite holiday. Our son loves decorating even more than Halloween with his Mom and Dad. Our holiday display includes giant inflatables, over 5,000 lights, cheerful holiday music from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., a wood burning fire pit, and snow machines. We love to chat with people as they drive buy and encourage photos next to the decorations. Our family holiday display is best viewed at night because of all the lights, but we do not turn it off. Usually, our family is out greeting passersby from 6:00 p.m. until 8 or 9:00 p.m. This is usually when we have the snow machines and music playing.” Sweetgum Lane 17772 Sweetgum Lane, Canyon Country, 6:30 - 7 p.m.
Candy Land 27809 Sycamore Creek Drive, Saugus, through Dec. 31 from 5 - 10 p.m. Combs Tree Lot 28114 Guilford Lane, Saugus, through Dec. 31 from 6 - 10 p.m. Holiday Pups 21702 Jeffers Lane, Saugus, through Jan. 3 from 5 - midnight.
Minion Land 21118 Cimarron Way, Saugus, through Jan. 1 from 5:15 - 11:30 p.m.
Spectacular Xmas Lights 19646 Castille Lane, Saugus, through Dec. 31 from 5 - 10 p.m.
Trinity Place 22274 Trinity Place, Saugus, through Dec. 26 from 5:30 - 9 p.m.
The Hallak House 25086 Cotton Blossom Lane, Stevenson Ranch, through Dec. 30 from 5:30 -10:30 p.m.
NEWS FEATURE
By Michele E. Buttelman
Signal Staff Writer
The New Year is almost here. Celebrate New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in SoCal style. This year New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday, which means the New Year’s weekend will be extended through Jan. 2.
New Year’s Eve
The New Year is only weeks away. Now is the time to book your reservations for a festive New Year’s Eve.
Ring in the New Year
The Canyon Santa Clarita Valencia Town Center, 24201 Valencia Blvd., Valencia 91355
Info wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com.
The Canyon Santa Clarita presents “Ring in the New Year” with DJ and dancing at The Canyon Santa Clarita. Party Like a Rock Star this New Year’s Eve.
Doors open at 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
J.R’s Comedy Club New Year’s Eve
Hart and Main Event Center 24217 Main St., Newhall 91321
Info www.comedyinvalencia.com/ events
Dinner and full bar service. After dinner J.R.’s Comedy Club All Star Comedy Show starring Kivi Rogers from “The Tonight Show,” local favorite Jeff Frame and Paul Douglas Moomjean. Each guest will receive party favors, noisemakers, hats, along with a Champagne Toast at 9 p.m. when there will be a countdown to ring in the new year as if you were in Times Square in NYC.
East Coast New Year’s Eve
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $89.99.
West Coast New Year’s Eve
Doors open at 9:30 p.m. for dinner. Show starts 10:30 p.m. Tickets: $89.99.
Universal Studios EVE
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City 91608
Info www. universalstudioshollywood.com
Be part of Hollywood’s biggest New Year’s EVE celebration at Universal Studios Hollywood’s EVE event Dec. 31 where you can party until 2 a.m.
Fill your day with rides, shows and attractions, and then keep the thrills going into the night. Have fun and celebrate with multiple party areas featuring music, dancing, photo ops, drinks available for purchase and a midnight countdown celebration with fireworks. Tickets: $139.
L.A. Zoo Lights Family New Year’s Eve
5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles 90027
Info www.lazoo.org
L.A.’s brightest winter tradition has been reimagined for the 2022/2023 season! Explore an immersive landscape filled with spectacular lantern sculptures of animals among blooming flowers, towering trees and more for a wildlife-centered experience that’s as inspiring as it is breathtaking.
Opens 6 p.m. Includes express entry to L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow, buffet dinner with dessert, dancing, live broadcast of the Times Square ball drop and more. All ages.
Special NYE tickets: Adults $100, ages 2-17 $75. Under age 2, free.
LA Zoo Lights
Zoo Lights will also run nightly through Jan. 22. Regular nightly admission is $39 for ages 13 and older. Under 13 admission is $32. Open New Year’s Day evening at regular admission prices. Closes 10 p.m.
Sant’olina Rooftop at The Beverly Hilton
9876 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, 90210
Info joonbug.com
See NEW YEAR, page 14
Inspiring Tips for Eating Well During the Holidays
For many of us, healthy eating can easily fall by the wayside during the holidays. What you eat has an impact on your health. However, eating healthy can be easy and delicious. Check out these tips from Kaiser Permanente nutrition experts to get health eating back on track.
Healthy Baking Ideas
Instead of sourdough bread, try your hand at gluten free or vegan baking. Substitutes like coconut or almond flour for white flour or applesauce for oil pack a flavorful and nutritious punch. Find healthy and delicious recipes from Kaiser Permanente clinicians at KP’s Food for Health blog.
Plant-Based Eating
Kaiser Permanente recommends a mostly plant-based diet, which focuses on whole grains, legumes, fruit, and vegetables and limits meat and dairy. Not only is it good for your health, but I’s also good for the health of the planet. And with so many options these days, it’s easier than ever to eat plant based. Get the information you need to start a plant-based diet.
Watch Your Beverages
Studies show that over 22% of calories consumed in the US come from sugary or alcoholic beverages. This can lead to wight gain over time and can contribute to condition like pre-diabetes. Drin water, unsweetened iced teas, or sparkling water. Give your water a kick with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime, or a small splash of 100% juice.
For more information about healthy eating, visit the Kaiser Permanente website at kp.org/nutrition.
