By KEVIN GOODWIN
The Saratogian

Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights, an eight day commemoration of rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees after their victory over the Syrians. It celebrates the miracle of one day's worth of oil lasting for eight days, keeping the temple's eternal flame lit. An additional candle is lit each night until all eight candles are lit. A ninth candle is the guardian used to light the others. This year, Hanukkah begins at sunset on Dec 25.

When did you open?
We opened during the last few days in November.

How long will you be open at this location?
Just for December.

Why did you decide to open this business?
I've always wanted to open up something like this but I never had the opportunity to rent a space for one month. The store is sponsored by Saratoga Chabad.

What all do you offer here?
We have different games and hands-on activities for kids of all ages. There is sand-art, bee's wax candle-making, dreidel-making, computer games to play and different menorahs to make. Right now we have a coloring contest going on and there is a station where you can make a menorah out of Legos. There is also card-making. We've had a lot of kids come in so far. We also have gifts that can be bought for Chanukah.

Kids make everything in the store?
Yes. There are tables set-up for the activities.

What kind of gifts do you have?
We have a variety of menorahs, ranging from a few dollars to $70. We carry candles to go in the menorah, too.

How would you describe your store?
It's unique and wonderful. It's more or less for kids, but we are all kids at heart. The Chanukah holiday is a happy time and a holiday everyone should know about.

What is the atmosphere like in your store?
I want people to comfortable. We have hot cider and potato pancakes for customers, everyone that comes in also gets a dreidel (a toy that looks like a top) and chocolate coins. I also show kids how oil is made from olives. Chanukah is the festival of lights.

Is there anything you'd like to add?
Everyone is welcome.

From the Saratogian Newspaper Business Section Cover
Tuesday December 6th, 2005