Hanukkah Happenings
At a time when the world feels darker, we come together to make it brighter. Check out our Hanukkah classes, gatherings and resources below. We look forward to celebrating together in community.
Chag Urim Sameach - Happy Festival of Lights
Hanukkah begins at sundown on Thursday, December 7th and ends at sundown on December 15th.
Classes + Gatherings
EntryPoint DC Hanukkah Happy Hour: Light the Night
Thursday, December 7 • 6:00pm-9:00pm
Join our friends at EntryPointDC for the largest Hanukkah happy hour in the DC area. Come out for specialty drinks, salsa dance lessons, fire dancer performances, a live artist painting to music with painting auction, candle lighting, sufganiyot (doughnuts), dreidel, and more! Be sure to bring winter items (ex: socks + gloves) for the clothing drive for D25 Day of Service. This event is 21+ and is for young professionals 21-45. Register in advance for $8 or at the door for $10.
Oh Gaydel, Gaydel, Gaydel: Queer Hanukkah Happy Hour
Monday, December 11 • 6:00pm-9:00pm
Light up the night when you celebrate at the largest Hanukkah happy hour in the DC area for LGBTQ Jews (and our friends)! Join EDJCC’s GLOE and partner organizations (including the Den!) for specialty drinks, drag appearances, a live artist painting to music with painting auction, candle lighting, dreidel, and more! Please bring warm winter items (ex: socks + gloves) for the clothing drive for D25 Day of Service. This event is for all ages 21+. Register in advance for $5; tickets also available at the door.
Illuminating Dreams: A Hanukkah Text Study + Celebration
Tuesday, December 12 • 7:15pm-9pm
We ask questions of ourselves and our Biblical ancestors to learn from their experiences and apply the meaning of their stories to our Jewish journeys. In honor of Hanukkah, we will study the weekly Torah portion alongside the story and rabbinic interpretations of Hanukkah. We will also celebrate the holiday with candle lighting and sweet treats. All are welcome. This gathering will be held in Arlington. Sign up by 12/11.
Taste of Talmud: Historical Hanukkah Flavors
Thursday, December 14 • 7:15pm-9pm
Many of the beloved Jewish foods, recipes, rituals surrounding food, cooking methods, and more can be traced back to the discussions of the rabbis in the Talmud. The sages gathered around in their beit midrash, house of study, to debate and discuss all kinds of foods that are inherently part of Jewish practice, or have become a part of Jewish culture. There are various delicious fried foods that have developed across the globe. Join Rabbi Jenna to learn about their origins and enjoy tasting these global Hanukkah treats. All are welcome. This gathering will be held in Arlington. Sign up by 12/12.
Light in the Darkness: Mindfulness + Meditation Circle
Saturday, December 16 • 10:30am-12:00pm
Join Rabbi Aderet for a special Shabbat and Hanukkah-themed Mindfulness + Meditation Circle. Through Jewish wisdom, guided meditation, and mindfulness skill-building we will explore ways to help us ground, reduce anxiety, and become more present in our lives. No experience necessary. This class is crafted for those new to meditation as well as for veteran meditators. Everyone is welcome. This gathering will be held near downtown Bethesda. Sign up by 12/15.
DIY Hanukkah: Blessings, Ritual, Food, + Gifting with Purpose
Hanukkah Candle Lighting Blessings - Blessings, including transliteration, translation, and recordings!
Hanukkah Background Info - Explore the history and origins of the Festival of Lights.
Fair Trade Chocolate Gelt - T’ruah, the Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, in partnership with Divine Chocolate USA bring us kosher chocolate gelt, made of Fair Trade cocoa. 10% of all sales ordered through this link will be donated directly to T'ruah.
DIY Hanukkah Rituals - Check out these cool DIY rituals from our friends at Custom + Craft.
The Mental Health Hanukkah Journal: Enjoy this free downloadable journal from the Blue Dove Foundation. Hanukkah can remind us we need to remember the great miracles we are and have light shed on the innermost parts of ourselves that need attention + understanding. In this 70+ page book, there is space to reflect on 8 reflection prompts to reflect on your year.
Think About Burnout While Lighting Your Menorah from the Blue Dove Foundation: “A lot of people experience burnout this time of year, but in the busyness of the season, we may not notice we are burnt out until symptoms start to surface. If you take the time to understand your normative levels of functioning and your likely triggers, you are much more likely to be cognizant of when you feel “off” and to recover so you can actually enjoy the warmth of Hanukkah without being burnt by it.”
Have a Hankering for a Hanukkah Menorah? A variety of styles and prices to choose from: Judaica.com, Modern Tribe, or Menorahs by Israeli Artists.
Potato Latkes - Some of our favorite ways to fry up a potato:
warm up these Trader Joe’s beauties (they’re amazing!)
So many jelly donuts… so little time. Try this Sufganiyot (Jelly Donuts) recipe or pick up some scrumptious donuts at bakeries throughout the DMV:
Kosher bakeries:
The Kosher Pastry Oven - check for order deadline
Moti’s Market - check for order deadline
Shalom Kosher Bakery - check for order deadline
Other local bakeries (not hekshered kosher):
Gifting with a Purpose: