NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 1998

Contact:
Peter Weinreb
(505)-344-6080

ALBUQUERQUE’S CONGREGATION ALBERT HOSTS FAMILY HANUKKAH CONCERT AND DINNER

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.---Congregation Albert, Albuquerque’s Reform Jewish Congregation founded in 1897, will host a Family Hanukkah Concert on Sunday, December 20, 1998 at 4:00 P.M. at 3800 Louisiana Blvd. NE, Albuquerque.

The featured performer is Congregation Albert’s Rabbi Joseph Black, who is nationally recognized for his songwriting and singing, and who performs throughout the United States. Rabbi Black has appeared on television and radio, has recorded tapes, CDs and videos, and has published editions of original songs. Rabbi Black will be joined by several local musicians in this performance.

Immediately following the concert, a roast chicken and potato latke dinner will be available. Potato latkes are a traditional Hanukkah food. Lighting of Hanukkah candles will also take place.

The cost for the concert tickets is $5.00 for all. The cost of the dinner is $6.00 for adults and $3.50 for persons under 12.

Dinner reservations may be made by December 15 to the Congregation Albert office at 883-1818. Tickets for both the concert and the dinner may be obtained at the Congregation Albert office. The event is sponsored by the Congregation Albert Brotherhood, and the proceeds will be used to underwrite youth programs and scholarships.

Latkes are made by grating raw potatoes, mixing in onion, flour or matzoh meal, egg and seasoning, forming the mixture into "pancakes" and frying them in oil. The use of oil in the cooking is symbolic for the holiday of Hanukkah, which marks the triumph of religious freedom. In ancient days, during the period of Greek domination, political and religious customs were imposed on the inhabitants of the Land of Israel. A family named the Macabees led a rebellion which routed the military occupiers and cleansed the holy Temple in Jerusalem of Hellenic idols. In celebration, an oil lamp was kindled in the Temple. Legend says that the amount of oil, sufficient only for one day, miraculously lasted eight days. For that reason, oil is symbolic, as is the lighting of candles in increasing number from one to eight during the eight-day observance of Hanukkah.

For more information on Congregation Albert’s Hanukkah concert and dinner, call 883-1818.