Holiday message a reminder after dark days of terrorism.

Byline: JAIME LYN REA The Register-Guard

Adults will tell you that Hanukkah is all about celebrating family bonds, freedom and light over darkness. But Tovi Ross of Eugene has a different perspective.

"Fun is the point," the 6-year-old said as he and other children took part in the 20th annual Hanukkah Fair at Eugene's Temple Beth Israel.

The children applied glitter to greeting cards, discovering that it stuck to their sleeves more than to their artwork. They decorated star-shaped sugar cookies, had menorahs painted on their faces, and chose from an array of colored hair spray to tint their hair.

While children enjoyed the crafts, adults said the Jewish holiday that began at sundown Sunday is a time to celebrate what's meaningful - especially in a time of turmoil in the country and the world.

"Hanukkah is a celebration of light," said Tovi's father, Rich Ross. "We need to celebrate all the things that light our lives, like our children."

The Ross family celebrates the eight-day holiday with the traditional lighting of the menorah candles as well as with the reading of Hanukkah stories and gift giving. Rich Ross said the holiday is a way to remember Jewish tradition and to acknowledge the past and present struggles facing Jews. He said the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11 and the continued disquiet in the Middle East have had a solidifying impact on many people's religious faith.

"It reminds us even more on a daily basis what we struggle for - equality for all people," he said.

Debi Strochlic of Eugene said she, too, senses a special resonance to Hanukkah this year. "In times of trouble, people tend to look to their culture and their faith," she said.

Hanukkah, sometimes spelled Chanukah, is also known as the Festival of Lights or the Feast of Rededication and has no religious connection to Christmas.

The holiday recalls the Maccabees' victorious revolt over the Syrian army in biblical times and the reclaiming of the temple by the Jews. As the story goes, Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days because a one-day supply of oil found in the temple by the Jews lasted eight days until more could be secured.

Sandi Cornez of Eugene said her favorite part about Hanukkah is the glow in children's eyes as the menorah is lit. "It's a happy, happy holiday," she said. "It's a holiday all about freedom, which is especially important in light of today."

CAPTION(S):

Evan Morrow gazes out the window while having his face painted by Mollie Toper at the Hanukkah Fair on Sunday at Temple Beth Israel.