Hanukkah, the Jewish celebration that brings light into homes and communities during our darkest season, begins on the 25th day of Kislev in this year of 5770, and continues until the 3rd of Teves. That’s December 11 through the 19th, for those of us unfamiliar with the calendar that extends nearly 4,000 years beyond our Common Era into antiquity. On eight consecutive evenings every year for millennia, candles have been lit on family and temple menorahs to mark the miraculous victory of the ancient Maccabees against Greek persecution and religious oppression. When it was time to rededicate the Temple, the people found only one fl ask of oil to light the menorah, which inexplicably lasted for eight days (not inexplicable if you believe in miracles, of course). The holiday’s serious origins are now celebrated with traditions of generosity and fun, food and family. And many modern Jewish organizations and temples hold Hanukkah events that are open to the public.
In Kingston at 243 Albany Avenue, Temple Emanuel will hold a “Chanukah Happening” on Sunday, December 13 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. This communitywide family fest will offer games, raffles, booths, crafts, jewelry and other lastminute gift items – not to forget the latkes. Then on Friday, December 18 there will be a Community Candle-Lighting service at 7:30 p.m. Families are invited to bring their own menorahs to add to the hundreds of others for a luminescent experience. For more information call (845) 338-4271 or visit www.templeemanuelkingston.org.
Kehillat Lev Shalem, the Woodstock Jewish Congregation located at 1682 Glasco Turnpike, will host a congregationwide gathering on Friday, December 11 at 6 p.m. to welcome Shabbat and celebrate the first night of Hanukkah. Candle-lighting and singing will be followed by dinner at 7 p.m., and families are encouraged to bring a batch of latkes, a salad or vegetarian dish to share (and “think green” by bringing dishes and cutlery from home). The WJC Family School Committee sale continues through December 15 with lots of gift items from which to choose. Also, a food drive to benefit the Good Neighbor Food Pantry (organized by the Tikkun Olam Task Force) will continue through the month of December and into January. Donations can be dropped off at WJC on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Expecting to assist between 80 and 100 families during the month of January, the group asks for non-perishable items that are “new, sealed, in original packaging.” To contact WJC call (845) 679-2218 or visit www.wjcshul.org.
Kehillat Ahavat Achim, the Jewish Congregation of New Paltz, will hold a Hanukkah Party on Sunday, December 13 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Come to the Community Center at 30 North Chestnut Street for food (more latkes!) and fun for kids and everyone. There will be gift items, wrapping paper, candles, menorahs and more on sale. JCNP extends a warm welcome to any and all who come to join them in worship. For more information visit www.newpaltzjewishcong.org or call (845) 255-9817.
Last, but surely not least, the Chabad Jewish Student Center in New Paltz will open its doors to students every night of Hanukkah, beginning with a service at 5:15 p.m. on December 11, to be followed by dinner (you guessed it: latkes!) and fun activities at 6 p.m. Students can bring their own menorahs to Chabad House is at 10 South Oakwood Terrace one block from campus and enjoy the holiday in their home-away-from-home. Call (845) 255-8191, and don’t miss “Virtual Chanukah (Hanukkah) 2009” at: www.chabadofnewpaltz.com/holidays/chanukah/ default_cdo/jewish/Hanukkah.htm.