Hanukkah 2025 | 5786
December 15 - 21 (First Candle December 14)
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 illumine visions for the future we wish to achieve, rooted in our memories and hopes from the past.
Community Celebration Spotlight
Thursday, December 18 | 5:30 PM
Get ready for a night that shines as bright as the Hanukkah candles! We’ll come together to light our Hanukkiyot, sing favorite Hanukkah melodies, share a festive meal with latkes & sufganyot, and enjoy a spectacular laser light show. It will be a night full of warmth, joy, and radiant light for all ages.
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5:30 PM | Program begins with Hanukkah songs. Set up your Hanukkiyah for our community candle lighting.
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5:45 PM | Hanukkiyah lighting - We fill the room with the warmth of glowing Hanukkiyot and the sounds of favorite Hanukkah blessings & melodies.
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6:00 PM | Festive Hanukkah dinner featuring delicious holiday favorites.
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6:30 PM | Spectacular Laser Light Show with Hanukkah themes and songs - the highlight of the night!
All Evening – Enjoy Hanukkah crafts, Sufganyot, Hanukkah gelt, playing dreidel, and celebrating the Festival of Lights with your synagogue family.
Hanukkah Programming
SHABBAT HANUKKAH SERVICES
Friday, December 19 | 6:15 pm & Saturday, December 20 | 9:30 am
Stone Family Sanctuary
Join us for Shabbat Hannukah Services, with holiday themes, learning, and songs.
Hanukkah Shabbat Torah Study Lunch
Saturday, December 20 | 12:00 PM
Join us for a Hanukkah Shabbat lunch as we mark the 6th day of our holiday. Following lunch Rabbi Shulman will guide our study of Torah and the Book of Maccabees as we glean insights for meaning and purpose in our happy celebration.
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 to Beth-Elders
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
Holiday Toy Drive
As part of our holiday giving efforts, we’re collecting new, unwrapped toys for children ages 0–12. This joyful tradition brings smiles, warmth, and hope to children and families across our community. Every small gift helps make the holidays a little brighter. Please bring all toys to the Beth El front desk by Friday, December 5. For a list of recommended toys, see here.
Embrace-A-Family
Join us in supporting the Embrace-A-Family program through Jewish Family Service. Together, we can bring warmth and
cheer to individuals and families in need throughout San Diego County. Make your donation here and help brighten someone’s holiday.
