Hanukkah 2026 | 5787
December 5 -12 (First Candle December 4)
Happy Hanukkah! Hanukkah Sameah! חנוכה שמח
On Hanukkah, we create light to make a dark world bright. A potent religious symbol, light signifies life and goodness, hope and God’s presence. On Hanukkah, we ignite sparks of holiness and gratitude. We honor the memory of a rededicated ancient Temple. We rejoice in the miracles of Jewish history. We demonstrate pride in our Jewish heritage.
Hanukkah is a celebration of hope. Rarely will we correctly predict the future. Always will we imagine what can be better and remember what we believe. Hanukkah celebrates our responsibility to preserve and live by our Jewish religious values and ideals. May the lights of Hanukkah illuminate visions for the future we wish to achieve, rooted in our memories and hopes from the past.
Community Celebration Spotlight
Glow Bright! A Hanukkah Festival of Lights!
Join us for a dazzling, glow-in-the-dark Hanukkah festival filled with light, music, friends, and holiday fun as we celebrate the miracles of Hanukkah!
Experience an electrifying performance featuring incredible acrobats in glowing LED costumes, surrounded by vibrant neon colors and dazzling lights. Together, we'll illuminate the night as we light our Hanukkiyot as a community, and sing the traditional Hanukkah blessings & songs.
Enjoy a festive Hanukkah dinner complete with crispy latkes and sweet sufganiyot.
Please bring your Hanukkiyot from home to join in our community candle lighting. We will have a few extras to share as well.
Hanukkah Services & Programming
Hanukkah Shabbat Services
Friday, Dec 4 & Dec 11 | 6:15 PM
Saturday, Dec 5 & Dec 12 | 9:30 AM
Hanukkah services will include holiday themes, learning, and songs. Join us afterward for Shabbat Oneg where we will share Hanukkah treats and holiday time as a synagogue community.
Hanukkah Shabbat Luncheon
Saturday, Dec 12 | 11:30 AM
We will continue the holiday celebration with lunch after Shabbat services. Please register here for lunch.
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Friday, Dec 4 | 5:45 PM
Sunday, Dec 6 | 12 PM
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Tuesday, Dec 8 | 4 PM
Hanukkah Hesed & Tikkun Opportunities
This Hanukkah, share the light by giving back! Take part in special mitzvah opportunities to support and connect with others during the holiday season.
Hanukkah Packages for Beth El-ders
Bring some Hanukkah light to our Beth El-ders! We will be assembling Hanukkah packages of treats and ritual items to bring to our Beth El seniors to enhance their holiday celebration.
If you are available to deliver a Hanukkah package and visit with a member of our community the week of December 15, please reach out to dvinick@cbe.org.
Jewish Family Services Holiday Toy Drive
Thurs, Dec 3 & Fri, Dec 4 | 10 AM - 3 PM
Joan & Irwin Jacobs Campus
Help us collect new toys for children experiencing homelessness, hunger, and poverty in our community!
Let’s bring holiday cheer to children aged 0-17 years—every gift makes a difference!
Suggested toys:
• Art supplies, coloring books, paint by number
• Board and card games
• Books
• Building blocks, Gear sets, Legos,
Magnetic tiles, Tinkertoy
• Craft kits, STEM kits
• Infant/baby toys
• Kinetic sand, Modeling clay, Play doh
• Makeup kits/nail polish
• Puzzles
• Sports equipment
Please ensure all donated toys are:
• New and in original packaging
• Unwrapped
• If your donated toy(s) require batteries,
please include
Please note: We are not able to accept bicycles.
Hanukkah in the Community
Ei8ht the Musical
Sunday, November 29 | 4-6 PM
Presented by JCompany Youth Theatre
Lawrence Family JCC
In a once-joyful village consumed by busyness and stress, young Tali longs for the warmth and togetherness her family used to share during Hanukkah. As her brother Adam struggles under the pressure of his upcoming Bar Mitzvah and the rest of her family is overwhelmed by work, the holiday becomes rushed and hollow. Through Bubbe's stories, especially the tale of the Maccabees, and a powerful lesson about family history passed down through generations, Tali begins to understand that the true miracle of Hanukkah is the love, time, and connection people choose to share.
