While Hanukkah commemorates the miracle of the oil lasting eight nights, this year marks a modern day miracle. Community members are once again able to come together and celebrate this holiday in person, a beloved tradition missed dearly since the pandemic began. The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and its neighborhood Kehillot are providing safe, family-friendly opportunities for the whole community to partake in the Festival of Lights.
Shine a Light on Antisemitism
Tuesday, November 30 | 11:30 a.m.
Philadelphia Municipal Services Building; 1401 John F Kennedy Blvd.
Celebrate Hanukkah through advocating and sharing in the light of love and acceptance for the Jewish people. As part of a national initiative, the Jewish Federation is organizing an event to raise awareness of the danger of antisemitism in all of its modern day forms. This year, stand together in person or virtually with the Jewish Federation, ADL, AJC, local politicians and other organizations to shine a light on these issues and dispel the darkness of hate.
No registration needed. Visit the Jewish Federation's Facebook page on Tuesday, November 30 at 11:30 a.m. to see the livestream of the event.
Old York Road Community Hanukkah Lighting
Tuesday, November 30 | 5:00 p.m.
Baederwood Shoppes on the Fairway in Jenkintown, PA
The third night's the charm when it comes to Hanukkah festivities. Join the Old York Road community for an outside candle lighting. The menorah will not be the only part of this celebration to light up the night. Local cantors will bring the warmth and joy of the holiday through Hanukkah songs. Gifts will be available for adults and kids who register before Sunday, November 28. The rain date for this event is Wednesday, December 1. For more information, please contact Kim Decker, Old York Road Kehillah Director, at oldyorkroad@kehillah.jewishphilly.org. To register, click here.
Center City Kehillah Hanukkah Candle Lighting
Wednesday, December 1 | 5:15 p.m.
Rittenhouse Square Park; 210 W Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA
Show your Hanukkah love in the hub of the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. Perfect for the whole family, make the fourth night of Hanukkah one for the holiday memory books by joining the Center City community for a joyous and meaningful candle lighting in Rittenhouse Square Park.For more information, please contact Rebecca Krasner, Director of the Center City Kehillah, at centercity@kehillah.jewishphilly.org. Mark that you are “going” or “interested” on the Facebook event here.
Bucks County Community Candle Lighting
Thursday, December 2 | 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Shady Brook Farm; 931 Stony Hill Rd, Yardley, PA
Now, what could make a happier Hanukkah than Shady Brook Farm!? All are welcome to join the Bucks County community for the fifth night of Hanukkah, and enjoy crafts, singing, candle lighting and goodie bags. This program is sponsored by the Bucks County Kehillah, Temple Micah and Shady Brook Farm. For information, contact Carrie Matez, Bucks County Kehillah Coordinator, at buckscounty@kehillah.jewishphilly.org. To register, click here.
Spreading the Light
Saturday, December 4 | 6:00 p.m.
Kaiserman JCC; 45 Haverford Rd, Wynnewood, PA
Light the night for the seventh evening of Hanukkah. Join the Lower Merion Kehillah, Israeli American Council (IAC), Adath Israel and Kaiserman JCC for Havdalah, a light show, DJ, prizes, art contest and other goodies. This community-wide event will feature special guest Linda White, the founder and creator of Imagination Play Project which provides opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to engage, design, and connect with open-ended materials. For more information, please email Eden Aaronson, Kehillah of Lower Merion Coordinator, at lowermerion@kehillah.jewishphilly.org. To register, click here.
Chanukah Unite
Sunday, December 5 | 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Temple University, Ambler Campus; 580 Meetinghouse Rd, Ambler, PA
Ready for an all-out Chanukah celebration?! Come out for the last night of the holiday and unite with the Buxmont synagogues, Chabad and the Kehillah for a festival spectacular. Fun for the whole community, cost of admission includes rides and games, entertainment, and more. Plus, there will be a grand menorah lighting and kosher food for purchase. For more information, please contact Nomi Shapiro, Kehillah of Buxmont Coordinator, at buxmont@kehillah.jewishphilly.org. To register, click here.
Candle Lighting at Boathouse Row
Sunday, December 5 | 4:00 p.m.
Virtual Program
If you want to celebrate Hanukkah with your community, but are not ready for in-person programming — do not worry, we have you covered! The City of Philadelphia will have a virtual experience, led by the Jewish Federation, for its annual candle lighting at Boathouse Row this year. You can watch the virtual program by registering for the Zoom Webinar here.
Northeast Jewish Life Community Chanukah Celebration
Sunday, December 5 | 6:00 p.m.
Hosted by House of Kosher; 9806 Bustleton Ave., Philadelphia, PA
Show your ruach on the last night of Chanukah with Northeast Jewish Life. All are welcome to come and enjoy music by Eliyahu Bass, latkes and other nosh by House of Kosher, and candle lighting by various community members. For more information, contact Carrie Matez, Northeast Kehillah Coordinator, at northeast@kehillah.jewishphilly.org. To register, click here.
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The Kehillot are part of the Jewish Federation’s neighborhood initiative to foster a vibrant Jewish community throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. To learn more about your Kehillah or community group, please contact Rachel Berger, Director of Jewish Life and Learning, at rberger@jewishphilly.org