Hanukkah Begins at Sundown Tuesday, Local Events Planned

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, begins at sundown Tuesday and goes until Dec. 24. The Jewish holiday commemorates the story of the Maccabean Revolt against Syrian rulers in present day Israel 2,300 years ago.

Here is a look at services and celebrations at three area temples:

Congregation B’nai Torah

• Friday, Dec. 19; Dinner at 6 p.m. and service at 7 p.m. - The annual Hanukkah celebration features “all the fixings,” as well as kids’ crafts and dreidels for everyone. Tickets are $8. Registration for the dinner is closed, but individuals can still attend the service (remember to bring your own Chanukiot and candles for the communal lighting).

Congregation Beth El in Sudbury

• Sunday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m. -JStart will hold a Hanukkah program for families with children from infancy to 6 years old. The program is free and open to the public. RSVP online.

Temple Shir Tikva in Wayland

• Friday, Dec. 19, 6:15 p.m. - Bring your own menorah to a candle lighting ceremony and enjoy a music-filled Simchat Shabbat service. A holiday oneg featuring potato latkes, hors d’oeuvres, hearty winter soups, and hot mulled cider will follow.
• Saturday, Dec. 20, 6:30 p.m. - Ninth through 12th graders are invited to a Hanukkah part at The Loft at the Blumenfield’s house. RSVP to rpass@shirtikva.org to receive the address.

For a look at all Hanukkah events in the Greater Boston area, check out this comprehensive list from JewishBoston.com >>>