Grissom wishes everyone a happy Hanukkah Published Dec. 9, 2012 GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- The men and women of the 434th Air Refueling Wing at Grissom want to wish everyone a happy Hanukkah. Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated for eight nights and days starting on the eve of the 25th of the Hebrew month of Kislev. This year the celebration is Dec. 8-16. The holiday celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple after a Jewish victory over an occupying enemy more than 2,100 years ago. After their victory, Jewish leaders set about restoring many Jewish customs. When they went to light their temple's menorah for the first time, they only had enough olive oil for one day. As Jewish tradition goes, the one day oil supply lasted eight days, just long enough for new oil to be ceremonially purified, and Hanukkah celebrates that provision through the lighting of one menorah candle per night during eight nights. Hanukkah celebrants often eat fried foods fried, play with spinning tops called dreidels and give children gifts. Grissom is home to Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines of many different faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds. Together, these servicemembers unite to defend the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Grissom is also home to the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives. Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
