Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Hanukkah Events From Coast to Coast

Photo: MenorahThe lighting of the first candle of Hanukkah menorah is tonight, and across the country, celebrations are underway to recognize the Jewish tradition commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The celebration stems from a time when the Jewish faith had been suppressed by the Syrians in 167 BC; a rebellion eventually reinstated the Temple, and the eight nights of Hanukkah commemorate the eight miraculous nights that lamp oil was able to burn there after the Temple was restored. Today, the lighting of the menorah is considered a symbol of religious freedom and peace.

  • The National Menorah Lighting is tonight on the Ellipse outside the White House in Washington, D.C. And on Saturday, December 4, the Sixth and I Synagogue will host Jewmongous, a comedy concert offering hipster Hanukkah humor. 
  • New York's Jewish Museum will be hosting a Hanukkah Family Day on December 5, with art workshops, puppet shows, and self-guided tours of Line of Fire, architect Daniel Libeskind's installation of the museum's collection of menorahs. And the New York Public Library will offer programs for children that celebrate the holiday and look at how religions intersect throughout the holiday season. Candles atop the 32-foot-high world's largest menorah will light up the intersection of 5th Avenue and 59th St near Central Park. The first candle will be lit tonight. Or compete in Spinagogue, a tournament for dreidel fanatics that will take place on December 9 at Brooklyn's The Knitting Factory
  • Ten music-filled menorah-carrying barges and over 800 people are expected at San Antonio's 13th-annual Hanukkah on the River Walk this Sunday December 5th. A concert by the band Padre Rock will follow the menorah lighting ceremony led by Mayor Julián Castro at the Arneson River Theatre.
  • Honlulu Hanukkah, a sunset celebration featuring a six-foot dreidel, hot latkes and a visit from Governor Linda Lingle, will take place on December 2.
  • In Chicago, the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies will host Latke-palooza, nightly cooking demos throughout the week that re-interpret the traditional holiday dish. Check out chef Laura Frankel's recipes for a taste of what's in store. 
Have a Hanukkah event near you that should be on this list? Tell us in the comments below!

Photo: Mike Perkins/My Shot


Hanukkah Events From Coast to Coast


Backlink: http://blogs.nationalgeographic.com/blogs/intelligenttravel/2010/12/hanukkah-events.html

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