Celebrating Hanukka in the community
The eight-day festival of Hanukka will be observed from Saturday evening, Dec. 24, through Sunday, Jan. 1. The following are among the activities offered by area organizations and synagogues that are open to the public:
Congregation Agudath Israel, Caldwell — An outdoor menora lighting will be held on Saturday, Dec. 24, at 5:25 p.m. Call 973-226-3600.
Congregation Beth Hatikvah, Summit — A Hanukka celebration will be held Friday, Dec. 30, featuring a tot Shabbat at 5:30, potluck dinner at 6:30, services at 7:30, and a community service project assembling cold weather kits for the homeless. Bring menoras; latkes with applesauce and sour cream and drinks will be served. Call 908-277-0200.
B’nai Shalom, West Orange — A Festival of Lights Hanukka Laser Show will be held on Sunday, Dec. 25, at 6:30 p.m. The show will be presented by Wondergy, a science education program. Admission is $10. Holiday treats will be available. Call 973-731-0160.
Chabad Center of Northwest New Jersey, Rockaway — Public menora lighting ceremonies featuring music, hot latkes, donuts, and dreidels will be held the following evenings:
Sunday, Dec. 25: Sparta Lanes, Sparta, 4-6 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 26: Rockaway Townsquare lower level (next to Lord & Taylor), 5:30 p.m.; Boonton, Grace Lord Park, 6; Mt. Olive Municipal Building, Budd Lake, 6:45.
Tuesday, Dec. 27: The Gazebo at Picatinny Arsenal, 4 p.m.; Denville Main Street Bus Terminal, 5; Chester’s Gazebo Park, 5:30; Parsippany Municipal Building, 7.
Wednesday, Dec. 28: Mountain Lakes’ Kaufman Park, 6 p.m.; Rockaway Town Center, 5; Rockaway Township Municipal Building, 7; Randolph Senior Community Center (call 973-895-3070 for time).
Thursday, Dec. 29: Dover Municipal Building, 5 p.m.; Lake Telemark Community Club, Rockaway, 7.
Saturday, Dec. 31: White Meadow Lake Clubhouse, Rockaway, 6 p.m.
Lightings will be also held in neighboring towns. Contact 973-625-1525, ext. 202, or visit OneTorahWay.org/Chanukah.
Chabad Center of SE Morris County, Madison — Public menora lighting ceremonies with refreshments will be held the following evenings:
Monday, Dec. 26: Chatham, Gazebo in Firehouse Plaza on Fairmount Avenue, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 27: Florham Park Gazebo, 111 Ridgedale Ave., 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 28: East Hanover Town Hall, 411 Ridgedale Ave., 6 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 29: Madison, across the street from the Hartley Dodge Memorial building at train station, 6 p.m.
Contact 973-377-0707 or info@chabadcares.com.
Kirshenbaum Israel Center at YM-YWHA of Union County, Union — A family Hanukka party will be held Thursday, Dec. 22, at 7 p.m. RSVP to dperlmutter@jfedgmw.org.
Morristown Jewish Center Beit Yisrael — A Hanukka concert featuring a performance by the New Jersey Cantors Concert Ensemble and a Chinese dinner will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 25. RSVP to execdir@mjcby.org or 973-538-9292.
Shabbat House, West Orange — A dedication event (hanukat habayit) will take place on Thursday, Dec. 29, at 6 p.m., featuring lighting a nine-foot menora; live music; entertainment; a balloon menora; and refreshments, including latkes, sushi, and deli roll. Call 973-901-2266 or visit shabbathouse.org.
Temple Sinai, Summit — A menora lighting event will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 27, at 7 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, New Providence. Refreshments will be served. Call 908-273-4921.
Union County Torah Center, Westfield — Chanukah on Ice (cosponsored by Chai Center in Millburn) will be held at Union Sports Arena, Union, on Saturday, Dec. 24, 6:30-8 p.m. Cost is $10, including skates. Contact 908-789-5252 or info@torahcenter.org or visit torahcenter.org.
A Hanukka show will be aired on Dec. 24 at 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 27, at 8 p.m.; and Thursday, Dec. 29, at 7 p.m., all on Comcast Cable Channel 96.
A menora lighting ceremony in downtown Westfield (North Avenue train station) will be held Sunday, Dec. 25, at 5 p.m. Refreshments and gelt will be available.
A family Hanukka party will be held Dec. 27 at 6:30 p.m. The event will feature a Hanukka show; dinner with latkes, lasagna, and baked ziti; and crafts and games. There is a $5 suggested donation; sponsorships are available for $180.
A menora lighting in Cranford will take place across from the municipal building (near the gazebo) on Wednesday, Dec. 28, at 6 p.m.
Contact 908-789-5252 or info@torahcenter.org or visit torahcenter.org.
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