Hanukkah celebrations light up across the Valley
Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, begins this year at nightfall on Sunday, Dec. 22, and lasts for eight nights through Dec. 30.
The holiday can begin any time between Nov. 28 and Dec. 26. That variation is a result of the Jewish calendar being based on the lunar cycle so its dates vary in comparison to other calendars. Hanukkah starts on the 25th day of the month of Kislev on the Jewish calendar.
According to chabad.org, Hanukkah (sometimes spelled Chanukah) is the eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods.
Here are Hanukkah celebrations in the Phoenix area this year.
Sharing the Light interfaith concert
People of all faiths are invited to join the Arizona Jewish Historical Society, Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church and Congregation Beth Israel for this concert. It will feature Christmas and Hanukkah music from Jewish and African-American spiritual traditions in hopes of promoting understanding among people of
all races and religions.
Details: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18. Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 1401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. Free. azjhs.org, cbiaz.org, pilgrimrestphx.org.
Dreidels & Drinks
Food, drinks and networking with the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix. Register by Dec. 16 at the contact info below. There will be appetizers, wine and beer.
Details: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19. Central Phoenix location provided upon registration. $18. 480-481-1752, jewishphoenix.org/ bphanukkah19.
Chanukah Wonderland
Chabad of the East Valley hosts this event that includes an escape room ($5 fee), crafts, games and food for sale. Also featured is a toucha-truck event with trucks from throughout the state.
Details: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22. Chabad of the East Valley, 575 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler. Free. chabadcenter.com.
Chanukah on the Lawn
Events include crafts, entertainment, games, gelt, jelly doughnuts and latkes starting at 4:30 p.m. and the grand menorah lighting at 5:30.
Details: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22. Biltmore Fashion Park, 2502 E. Camelback Road. Free. 602-944-2753, chabadaz.com/lawn.
Menorah Lighting and Hanukkah Celebration
Latke specials, homemade jelly donuts and certified kosher Brooklyn Beer on tap plus a special Hanukkah playlist. Everyone is welcome to this all-ages celebration.
Details: 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23. Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Ave., Phoenix. Free. 602716-2222, crescentphx.com.
Mazelpalooza
NowGen, the young professional organization that is part of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix, hosts the 21st annual bash for people in their 20s through 40s. A band and DJ will keep the music going while guests enjoy patio games, drink specials and more.
Details: 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24. Wasted Grain Bubble Room, 7295 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale. $36 through Dec. 21, $45 at the door. mazelpalooza.org.
HA HA HAnukkah Improv Comedy Shows
The National Comedy Theatre’s improv shows are a festive and interactive experience for the audience and comedians alike. The 9:45 shows for ages 17 and older are deemed “slightly uncensored.”
Details: 7:30 and 9:45
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