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Holiday Celebrations

Hanukkah

Hanukkah celebrates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian Greeks and the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem (hanukkat ha-mizbeah) in the year 164 BCE. According to the book of Maccabees, Jews were not able to celebrate Sukkot that year because of the impurities in the Temple, and so they established a delayed 8-day celebration in the Hebrew month of Kislev. According to legend, when the Maccabees re-entered the Temple, they could find only enough oil to light the Menorah for one day; but a miracle happened and the lights remained bright for eight days.

There are special liturgical additions in our services during Hanukkah, but the most prominent aspect of the holiday is the kindling of the hanukiyyah (8-branch candelabra) each evening to fulfill the mitzvah of pirsumei nissa (publicizing the miracle). At B’nai Israel, our celebration is always marked by a special community event.

hanukkah celebrations 2025

ESEK Hanukkah Shuk
Sunday, December 7
12:00–4:00 PM
Bring your family and friends to a festive Israeli marketplace filled with Hanukkah gifts, Judaica, treats, and handmade treasures, all supporting small Israeli businesses (ESEK, or “business” in Hebrew, brings Israel closer to us through Israeli products and the remarkable stories behind their creators). Let’s come together to celebrate Israeli creativity, resilience, and community spirit and come shop on December 7! Register here.

Monday Night at the Movies
Monday, December 8
7:00–8:30 PM
Hanukkah on Rye (English; 1 hour. 24 minutes)
A matchmaker connects Molly and Jacob, but their new romance is put to the test when they realize that they are competing deli owners. Will a Hanukkah miracle keep them together? Stars Jeremy Jordan, Yael Grobglas, Lisa Loeb.

Schilit ECC Hanukkah Palooza
Thursday, December 11
5:30 PM
Get ready to shine at the Schilit ECC’s Second Annual Hanukkah Palooza! Join us for an 
unforgettable celebration for children ages tots through 2nd grade, featuring a live concert
and an epic glow party that will light up the night! Bring your family and friends for music, dancing, and fun as we celebrate the joy and light of Hanukkah together. This is one party you
won’t want to miss—let’s glow and go! Register here.

Centennial Golden Latkes and Lights with Pop-up “Hanukkah Memories” Exhibit
Wednesday, December 17
6:00–9:00 PM
Gather with friends and family to celebrate Hanukkah with food, games, fun, and plenty of lights! This program will feature a special “Hanukkah Memories” exhibit, plus activities for children of all ages, tots through teens, as well as for adults. Join us for dinner to include a falafel bar with all the fixings, pasta options for kids, and special Hanukkah treats. Register here.

B’nai Israel Young Professionals Hanukkah Potluck 
Thursday, December 18
7:30–9:00 PM
Join us for our next Young Professionals event—a Hanukkah Potluck! Bring a favorite dish or side to share! Please note that due to kosher guidelines, this will be a dairy-only potluck. Register here.

ShabbatNukkah 
Friday, December 19
6:15 PM Shabbat Service followed by Dinner
$25/adult; $10/child
Celebrate Shabbat Hanukkah with a delicious Chinese meal. Don’t forget to light Hanukkah and Shabbat candles at home before you come because Shabbat starts so early! And join in the fun of Bingo with Rabbi Cheryl Stone! Prizes will be awarded to the winners. Co-hosted by Men's Club and Sisterhood. Register by Monday, December 15 here. 

 

Hanukkah Shopping at the
Sisterhood Judaica Shop

It is time to prepare for Hanukkah and the Sisterhood  Judaica Shop has everything you need to celebrate the holiday! Do you have candles, serving trays, stylish menorahs, banners, games, toys and gelt? Come stop by for these and so much more! Shop hours can be found here.

Wed, December 10 2025 20 Kislev 5786