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This year, members of the Jewish faith will celebrate Hanukkah from December 7th – 15th. For eight nights, the community lights the Hanukkiah, or the menorah used during Hanukkah, to commemorate the miracle of lights. As the story goes, after Judah and the Maccabees fought for freedom from religious persecution, they found a small amount of oil in the destroyed Holy Temple to light the menorah for only one day. The miracle is that the oil lasted eight days and nights, hence the commemoration for eight nights of Hanukkah. While Hanukkah is not considered a high holiday in the Jewish religion, it is recognized as a joyous time of celebration for secular and religious Jews alike to gather with loved ones. Rochester is home to a large Jewish community, and there are many exciting events coming up this holiday season to recognize Hanukkah with family and friends.
COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS Starting the weekend before Hanukkah on Sunday, December 3rd, visit the ROC Holiday Village 11am - 6pm for a day of Hanukkah celebration. With live music, crafts, and tasty treats, this event honors and celebrates the Jewish community and their presence here in Rochester. The same weekend, visit Temple Sinai for their annual Hanukkah Bazaar. On Saturday, December 2nd from 7-9pm and Sunday, December 3rd from 9:30am-1pm, explore many local vendors for festive holiday gifts and beautiful artwork. Temple Sinai will also host a Tableside Shabbat on Friday, December 8th starting at 5:30pm, where guests will share a meal and each bring their own Hanukkiah for a communal lighting ceremony. Gather in the light and enjoy a Shabbat service, music, and arts and crafts for the children. To attend, please pre-register online at tsinai.org/events. The Jewish Community Center of Rochester will host Light, Peace and Latkes Featuring Rick Recht on Monday, December 11th from 5:30-8pm. This concert is open to the public and is a funfilled way to celebrate Hanukkah through music. Come listen to the incredibly talented Rick Recht, who is highly acclaimed as one of the greatest Jewish musicians of our time. To register, visit jccrochester.org for more information. Additionally, the Chabad of Rochester and the Chabad of Pittsford will both host their annual outdoor giant menorah lightings. Rochester’s lighting will be at Washington Square Park on Thursday, December 7th at 5pm, and Pittsford’s lighting will be in the Pittsford library parking lot on Sunday, December 10th at 4:30pm. The Chabad will also sponsor public menorah lightings in Penfield, Fairport, Honeoye Falls, Henrietta, and Brighton this year.
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