Sunday, Nov. 28, at sundown, marks the beginning of Hannukah which continues for eight days. Jewish families around the world are beginning their celebrations.Something Jefferey Segal, a member of the Temple Beth El in Salinas, says after a year of not gathering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is that this means everything to families. “We had to suspend the event last year there was simply no way to invite people in the temple and even now we're asking people to be fully vaccinated we're asking people to wear masks,” said Segal. Loved ones of the temple got together to whip up some of their favorite traditional dishes — from potato latkes to sufganiyot, which are jelly-filled donuts. Sunday night was the first day that families lit the first candle out of nine on the centerpiece, which is called a menorah. “So on the first night of Hanukkah, we light this candle and we light the first night and then in turn on the second light we light two candles. All the way through to the eighth night. The essence of the holiday really is a festival of freedom. When the Jews in the land revolted in order to protect their traditions and their observance of their religion,” said Segal. The temple plans to have an event celebration later Sunday evening.Location: 1212 Riker St. Salinas, Ca. Time: 5:00 – 7:00 pmCall or Text: (707) 799-5601They will be collecting non-perishable food items for their donation bin to the Monterey County Food Bank. They also ask that everyone brings a mask and proof of vaccination.