SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Amid the holiday wreaths and Christmas lights that adorn downtown Saratoga Springs this time of year, a local rabbi has opened up a storefront dedicated to his faith's festival of illumination.

Rabbi Abba Rubin said Saratoga Chanukah Wonderland at 384 Broadway is a way to promote the Jewish holiday, an eight-day event that coincidentally begins on the evening of Dec. 25 this year.

"The Jewish holiday is supposed to be very prominent," Rubin said. "So, we wanted to be in the center of things."

Hanukkah commemorates the victory in 165 B.C. of Jewish freedom-fighters over King Antiochus Epiphanes, and the subsequent rededication of the Temple at Jerusalem. Although they found only one day's worth of oil in the temple, it miraculously lasted for eight days.

"It was a miracle that it lasted for eight days until they got more oil," Rubin said. "Therefore, we want everyone to know about the miracle."

Today, it takes much less than eight days to make a new batch of oil, but children who visit Saratoga Chanukah Wonderland can help Rubin make oil for the menorah with an old-fashioned olive press.

They also can make Hanukkah cards for family members, learn about dreidels -- a kind of top -- and learn the story behind the holiday as told through interactive computer games.

There are tables set up for kids to work on arts and crafts, and items like dreidels and menorahs are for sale.

The Hanukkah storefront is a first-time program of Rubin's Saratoga Chabad, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering identity and pride among those of Jewish faith.

The Broadway spot is a way for young people especially to learn about their faith and one of its most joyous holidays, Rubin said.

Rubin said for some people, Hanukkah might get lost in the shuffle of a Christmas-crazed season.

"We feel this is a way that it won't get lost," he said about the Chanukah Wonderland.

The Broadway location has attracted its share of non-Jews, as well. Rubin said about 800 people were inside during the Victorian Streetwalk, and he noted he has given out more than 3,500 chocolate coins to visitors.

"People who are not Jewish are very happy we're here," he said. "They are very curious."

Rabbi Jonathan Rubenstein, of Temple Sinai at 509 Broadway, said he believes it's important to learn about other faiths, and he sees Rubin's store as a way for people to do that.

"There's sort of one dominant Christian culture and Christmas is a very big part of the season," Rubenstein said. "I think it's good to remember people have other holiday traditions."

Rubenstein said the public is also welcome at his congregation's Hanukkah celebration service at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 30.