Community Corner
Hanukkah 2012 in Arlington
Celebrate the Festival of Lights in Arlington with fun events and delicious recipes.
This year, Hanukkah begins on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 8, and ends a week later on Sunday, Dec. 16.
According to Chabad.org, Hanukkah starts on the Hebrew calendar date of 25 Kislev and lasts for eight days. For those of us who aren't attuned to the Jewish calendar, that translates to sundown on Saturday, Dec. 8.
Temples in the Arlington area are holding their usual schedule of services and special Hanukkah events as well, including:
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Temple Shir Tikvah, Winchester
- Bringing Jewish Holidays to Life, Sunday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m., at the Ambrose School.
- Family Chanukah Celebration, Sunday, Dec. 9, 4 p.m., at the temple.
- 3rd Grade Pot Luck, Service and Chanukah Candlelighting, Friday, Dec. 14, at 5:45 p.m., at the temple.
- Shabbat Service with Chanukah Candlelighting with Rabbi Rim and Beth, Friday, Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m., at the temple.
Beth El Temple Center, Belmont
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- Menorah Lighting, Saturday, Dec. 8, 5:30-6 p.m., outside the temple.
- Brotherhood Sponsored Hanukkah and Latke Party, Saturday, Dec. 8, 6-8 p.m., at the temple.
- Hannukah Party, Saturday, Dec. 15, 6-8 p.m., at the temple.
Temple Isaiah, Lexington
- Benefit Performance of Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, Saturday, Dec. 8, 7-9:30 p.m., at the temple.
- Performance of Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins for Religious School Grade 3 and Up, Sunday, Dec. 9, 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., at the temple.
- Rabbi Yales Memorial Event, Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, Sunday, Dec. 9, 3-5 p.m., at the temple.
Temple Emunah, Lexington
- Hanukkah Simhat Tot, Sunday, Dec. 9, 9-10:30 a.m., at the temple.
- Hanukkah Mak’haylah Concert, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2 p.m., at Hebrew Senior Life.
- Hanukkah-Havdallah Celebration, Saturday, Dec. 15, 4 p.m. Minhah, 5 p.m. musical Havdallah, at the temple.
Temple B’nai Brith of Somerville
- Children’s School Chanukah Party, Sunday, Dec. 9, 5-6:30 p.m., in Nissenbaum Hall.
- Friday Night Service and Potluck Dinner, Friday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m., at the temple.
- Chanukah Tot Shabbat, Saturday, Dec. 15, 10-10:45 a.m., Blumsack Chapel
- Candle lighting, Friday, Dec. 14, 3:54 p.m., at the temple.
- Chanukah Havdalsh and Game Night, Saturday, Dec. 15, at the temple.
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the story of the Maccabean Revolt against Syrian rulers in present day Israel 2,300 years ago. The Maccabees wanted to rededicate Jerusalem's main temple but had only enough oil to kindle the Eternal Light for one day. The oil lasted for eight days, according to the story, and the holiday of Hanukkah was born.
Today, Jews generally celebrate by gathering together with family, lighting one candle on the menorah each of the eight nights, playing dreidel and eating special holiday foods such as potato latkes and babka.
TELL US: If you observe Hanukkah, what are your plans?
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