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CHARLOTTE — Wednesday was the first day of Hanukkah. For the next seven days, members of the Jewish faith will light a candle as a reminder to celebrate family, liberation and to be a light to others. But some question whether Hanukkah, like Christmas, has become too commercial.

"Bringing light into darkness bringing warmth into our homes," said Rabbi Jonathan Freirich with Temple Beth El.

Jews throughout the world are celebrating Hanukkah this week, a time of re-dedication. Each night during the Festival of Lights Jews will light a candle to mark the group's liberation, and as a reminder to focus on family. But over the years, Freirich said many American Jews have adopted the Christian tradition of gift giving.

"It's not something that was done traditionally. It tends to be something that American Jews do because of proximity to another big holiday this time of year that tends to be gift focused," said Freirich.

Despite that, Rabbi Freirich said he does not think Jews have lost sight of the real significance of the holiday. He said that those who give gifts should do so with meaning and a consciousness that there are people who are not capable of receiving what people getting.

Through that philosophy, Freirich believes the true spirit of the holiday will shine through.

"Hanukkah is a big deal because of latkes, and because of candles, it's a big deal because of dreidels. It's not a big deal because of gifts,” said Freirich.

Temple Beth El is hosting a community Hanukkah celebration Friday starting at 5:30 p.m. with the lighting of the menorah for toddlers, and then for families beginning at 7 p.m.