1ST HANUKKAH CANDLE TO BE LIGHTED TONIGHT.

Byline: Holly Andres Staff Writer

Lighting the first candle on an eight-branched hanukkiyah, Jews will begin to celebrate the festival of Hanukkah at sundown today.

The eight-day festival commemorates the military victory of a group of Jewish men, the Maccabees, over the might and power of the Greco-Syrian army and the miracle of the sacred oil that stayed lit for eight days.

Rabbi Sheryl Nosan of Temple Beth Torah in Granada Hills will propose an innovative story tradition - one that gives Hanukkah a woman's voice as well - at a Shabbat service tonight.

``There are several heroines of Hanukkah, but we're going to focus on Judith,'' said Nosan, a Reform rabbi. ``Judith was courageous and incredibly smart. She was willing to take risks and stand up for her faith. She is a model for all women and men.''

The story of Judith is not found in the Torah, the five books of Moses, but in the Book of Judith. Like the Books of the Maccabees, the Book of Judith is part of the Apocrypha, narratives written after the Torah.

Judith's story parallels the traditional story of the Maccabees' triumph, both illustrating the theme of overcoming adversity through faith in God. But Judith's story reflects the Hanukkah theme that the Jewish people will prevail through God's spirit, Nosan said.

``We know about Judah Maccabee. He should inspire us, but there are others who can inspire us.

``We need to hear from women of our tradition because they have been overlooked in the 3,000 years when men's voices have dominated almost exclusively,'' Nosan said. ``It's valuable for all, but especially for women and girls to see role models that they can emulate in their spiritual and day-to-day life.''

Tamara Cohn Eskenazi, Bible professor of Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles, believes that using the story of Judith is a wonderful theme for Hanukkah.

``There are different types of heroism. By bringing women in we're redefining what heroism is,'' she said. ``Hers is a very appropriate story to tell. She's a widow, and usually people think of widows as people with no power. She rises to leadership just when everyone had given up in her town. She uses her beauty and her intelligence, and is able to change the course of a war.

``The feast of Hanukkah celebrates the resistance to oppression and defiance to those people and their laws whom our people had to conform,'' said Eskenazi. ``There are well over 100 women heroines in the Bible. Some, we don't even know their names. They made a difference but they are often not as visible.''

Reflecting on past family Hanukkah celebrations, temple member Harriet Jacobson remembered piles of latkes and big gatherings with family and friends. She welcomes the new tradition that underscores the contributions of women to Judaism.

``Reform Judaism is putting more emphasis on women. I think it takes new, modern thinking to get younger women to come to temple,'' said Jacobson. ``They're the future of the temple and it's good to keep them motivated and interested. I'm from an older generation, but it makes my life interesting to do new things.''

Jacobson, who said she loves Hanukkah, remembers when the celebration was more low-key. Customs have changed, she said, but not necessarily for the worse. Her mother made latkes but didn't decorate the house or send Hanukkah greeting cards.

``When I was young, it wasn't about gifts. I think I was given a nickel or a dime. There was honor in lighting a candle,'' said Jacobson. ``I don't think the new customs are wrong. Jews have always been in the minority and by doing those things, it shows we're here and it makes other people aware of our traditions.''

IF YOU GO

The ``Feminist Fifth Friday: Not for Women Only'' Shabbat service will be held at 8 p.m. today at Temple Beth Torah, 16651 Rinaldi St., Granada Hills. Call [phone].

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Temple Beth Torah Rabbi Sheryl Nosan, left, and temple member Harriet Jacobson show how Hanukkah candles are lighted with the first candle on the lighter's right.

Charlotte Schmid-Maybach/Staff Photographer

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