Region in brief: Hanukkah celebration of freedom begins tonight

Sundown tonight begins the first night of Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival celebrating religious freedom.

Temple Beth Shalom is planning a celebration of Hanukkah on Tuesday, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Diskin Social Hall, 1322 E. 30th Ave.

The story of Hanukkah dates to 165 B.C., when the Maccabees, a Jewish rebel army, revolted against the Syrians who sought to oppress them.

While preparing to rededicate the temple for Jewish worship after it was desecrated by the Greeks, the Jews found there was only enough oil to keep the temple’s menorah lit for one day. Hanukkah celebrates the miracle that is believed to have made the oil last for eight days.

Jewish families light a menorah candle each night over eight days to celebrate the miracle. The festival happens in December or late November.

Staff reports

Arson suspect was on fire while fleeing, witness says

Officials are searching for a suspect seen running from the scene of an alleged arson fire Wednesday night on Spokane’s lower South Hill.

Crews were called to a home near 14th Avenue and Walnut Street at about 7:30 p.m., after two incendiary devices were thrown at the house. One device smashed through a front window and started a small fire on the carpet, officials said.

On Thursday investigators said a witness reported seeing a person running from the home with an arm on fire.

Anyone with information should call the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigations Unit at (509) 344-3473.

Sara Leaming