Bringing together a Jewish community

With the nearest synagogue either in Aurora or South Elgin, it can be a stretch for members of the Jewish community to gather and share their faith in the Tri-Cities.

That's why the Fox Valley Jewish Neighbors hosted a pre-Hanukkah party Sunday at the Batavia Public Library, said spokeswoman Rachel Yackley.

About 80 people participated in the event, which included food, children's activities and encouraged participants to bring musical instruments.

For many of the parents involved, having their children take part in a Jewish celebration is very important.

"Everyone I talk to says, 'I thought I was the only Jewish person,'" Yackley said. "Events like this let people sit, bond and get ready for the holiday."

Andy Silver said he and his wife, Leslie, brought their three children to help build a sense of identity.

"We come to events like this because there are not a lot of Jewish kids in the area, and we want them to know their faith is not unusual," Leslie Silver said.

Andy Sliver said he grew up in an area with a large Jewish population and took for granted that sense of community.

"I just don't want my kids to feel different," he said.

The Silvers' children Dylan, 9, Ben, 6, and Zack, 3, along with friend Gershon Stein, 6, were building their own menorahs, one of several crafts available for kids. They all said they are waiting on their desired presents, which range from a football to an iPod.

Hanukkah is an eight-day festival of rededication, also called the Festival of Lights. It starts of the 25th day of the Jewish month Kislev, which this year begins at sundown Tuesday. The festival ends at sundown Dec. 12.

The goal of Fox Valley Jewish Neighbors is to bring together Jewish individuals and families in central Kane County for social, educational, religious and charitable purposes, Yackley said.