Chabad at CSUSM, a Jewish student organization on campus, recently hosted Rockin’ Chanukah, a festival in celebration of the religious holiday.

The event was held on on Dec. 8 and included live music, food, a giant Menorah lighting and raffles.

Chabad at CSUSM was officially recognized as a student organization on campus in spring 2015 and is currently composed of 10 members. It was created as a branch of Chabad On Campus Int., a Jewish organization serving over 220 campuses around the globe.

“Chabad seeks to be a “home away from home” for Jewish students and those who would like to learn about Jewish culture. It offers a wealth of social, educational and spiritual programs,” said Moses Wosk, President of Chabad at CSUSM. “At Chabad we know that college years can be a whirlwind of classes, exams, parties, blurred faces and questions; but we also know that many students take those years to try and determine who they are and what type of future they want. We want to make sure that those Jewish students have a place that can help them figure out what role their [religion] will play.”

According to Wosk, the history of Chanukah (Hanukkah) is very significant in regards to the meaning behind Rockin’ Chanukah and all that it stands for within the Jewish community.

“Against all odds, a small band of faithful Jews defeated one of the mightiest armies on earth, drove the Greeks from the land, reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and rededicated it to the service of God. When they sought to light the Temple’s menorah, they found only a single cruse of olive oil that had escaped contamination by the Greeks; miraculously, the one-day supply burned for eight days, until new oil could be prepared under conditions of ritual purity,” said Wosk.

“To commemorate and publicize these miracles, the sages instituted the festival of Chanukah. At the heart of the festival is the nightly menorah (candelabrum) lighting: a single flame on the first night, two on the second evening, and so on till the eighth night of Chanukah, when all eight lights are kindled.”

Wosk also explained the importance of this particular event in regards to religious expression and constitutional rights. He said that students should be proud to live in a country where their rights are protected and encouraged.

During the event, Chabad at CSUSM also invited a former Israel Defense Force (IDF) soldier to speak about the recent terrorist attacks that have taken place. He also shared with students his personal experience in fighting terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah.

“According to Rabbi Yair Yelin, Rabbi of Chabad at CSUSM, the Menorah shares a universal message to the university-at-large, the eternal message of the Menorah lights has attained particular significance in light of current world events where the forces of oppression and darkness are ever-present,” said Wosk. “As we experience additional countries and entire regions being freed of their oppressors, we relive the experience of Chanukah in our very own times. It is the story of a little light pushing away an empire of darkness, human sensibility defying terror and brutal force, life and growth overcoming destruction.”

Wosk said that he, as well as other members of Chabad, hope that students enjoyed the event and feel inspired by its message.