For those looking for a place to do some Chanukah gift shopping, Judy’s Place at Temple Rodef Shalom as well as the Hipster Chanukah Market at the Edlavitch DCJCC have everything you need from art to handmade goods and more. Judy’s Place is specially suited for children aged 2-13 to be able to shop for gifts independently with assistance from Temple Rodef Shalom volunteers while the Hipster Chanukah Market will highlight local small business owners and artisans; hot chocolate and food will be offered as well.
As for more traditional events, the National Menorah Lighting on November 28th and Israeli Style Candle Lighting on December 5th with Agudas Achim are both great family-friendly options to get into the holiday spirit and experience the candle lighting with others celebrating. Both events feature music and traditional foods.
On the production side of the holiday, those 18+ can try out the Festival of Laughs on December 2nd at the DC Improv Comedy Club with special guest comedians Rachel Feinstein of Comedy Central and HBO and Jessica Kirson of Comedy Center and The Tonight Show. The more family-friendly option Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins features the story of Hesrshel and his struggle with the Goblins to be allowed to light Hanukkah candles coming to life in puppet form and runs from November 18th through the end of December.
Finally, for those wanting to celebrate Chanukah with food and friends, the Chanukah Happy Hour at Moishe House Arlington on November 30th, and EDJCC’s Family Chanukah Party on December 5th are the places to go. The Family Chanukah Party will take place both indoors and outdoors and include crafts, music, science and community service activities.
Plus these events at the Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center:
Firelight Flow: A Chanukah Yoga Class
Monday, November 29 at 7:00 pm | Virtual
Jewish yoga and mindfulness teacher Alison Waldman leads an integrated meditation and gentle yoga flow in honor of the Festival of Lights.
Link: https://www.sixthandi.org/event/firelight-flow-a-chanukah-yoga-class-4/
Lighten Up: A Chanukah Hang-out
Wednesday, December 1 at 6:00 pm | In-Person
On the fourth night of Chanukah, raise a glass to making it through another pandemic year, feast on festive treats, and put your dreidel game to the test during our winner-takes-all tournament. If your post-pandemic conversational skills are a little rusty, prompts from Rabbi Aaron Potek and Rabbi Nora Feinstein will help you skip the small talk and connect one-on-one with other Sixth & I’ers in a deeper and more meaningful way
Link: https://www.sixthandi.org/event/lighten-up/
All I Want for Chanukah is a Christmas Tree
Wednesday, December 15 at 7:00 pm | Virtual
Christmas is coming up, which raises the annual question: Am I a bad Jew if I put up a Christmas tree? Should we consider Christmas trees a deeply religious symbol of Christianity, or simply a festive holiday decoration? With Rabbi Aaron, explore what Jewish tradition has to say, ways interfaith families can navigate this dilemma, and how this time of year impacts American Jewish identity at large.
Link: https://www.sixthandi.org/event/all-i-want-for-chanukah-is-a-christmas-tree/
