Jews in Attleboro and Seekonk as well as throughout the world began celebrating Hanukkah Saturday night. On the first night, one candle (the shamash) on the menorah is lit and that candle is used to light a second candle. An additional candle will be lit each night until the final one when all nine candles will shine.

There are a couple Hanukkah events taking place at Congregation Agudas Achim (901 North Main St.) in Attleboro. Both are free and open to the public.

On Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., a large menorah built by teens at the synagogue will be lit. The event will include singing and reciting of blessings by the Hebrew school students followed by holiday-appropriate snacks for children. 

On Saturday at 6 p.m., there will be a party and potluck meal. People are asked to bring a dairy or vegetarian dish to share (no meat or nuts). The event will include a DJ, crafts, games, latke contest and other features.

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The major food item associated with Hanukkah is a potato pancake called a latke. Last week, we provided a recipe from my mother Kimber Friedman. In case you missed it, you can find it here.