DURHAM, N.C. — The Jewish Federation of Durham and Chapel Hill celebrated the first night of Hanukkah in style on Sunday.

  • Hundreds of people came to the Levin Jewish Community Center in Durham to help light the first candle of the menorah.
  • The events are mainly centered around children.
  • Parents say they're grateful their kids can become reacquainted with their Judaism over Hanukkah.

Hundreds of people came to the Levin Jewish Community Center in Durham to help light the first candle of the menorah with a festival commemorating Jewish culture.

"The Durham-Chapel Hill area is one of the fastest growing Jewish communities right now, so it's really exciting to see the energy and vibrancy," said Jewish Federation of Durham and Chapel Hill CEO Jill Madsen.

The events are mainly centered around children, from teaching kids how to make their own candles for Hanukkah to a marketplace, or "shuk," full of toys and games.

Parents say they're grateful their kids can become reacquainted with their Judaism over Hanukkah.

"They know the songs, they know the traditions, they see that they're not alone," said Eila Voloshen, who moved to North Carolina from Israel. "They may be the only Jews on their block or in their neighborhood, but they're not the only Jews in the area."

Hanukkah lasts for eight days.