Chanukah 2020

Shabbat Worship Service with Chanukah Candle Lighting
Friday, December 11 at 7:15 pm

Our weekly Shabbat service will feature plenty of Chanukah joy, with holiday songs and lighting of the menorah. From the safety of our homes, we will share our menorahs and the family history associated with them. We will then join for our Chanukah lighting and celebration.

Chanukah Drive-In Celebration at Temple Beth El
Saturday, December 12 at 4:00 pm

As Chanukah beckons us to gather as a community and kindle light in a time of darkness, we are embarking upon a creative way to come together safely. Rabbi Jaffe and Cantor Sternlieb will lead a Drive-In Chanukah celebration from the second story windows of the synagogue. Families will remain in their cars, where they will be able to see the clergy while audio is provided via an FM frequency.

The parking lot will open at 3:30 pm and the 30 minute celebration will conclude with Havdalah. You are welcome to bring your own menorah and join us from the safe confines of your car. 

Cantors & Company Coast to Coast Present Virtual Chanukah Concert - Songs for Sustenance
Sunday, December 13 at 7:30 pm

Inspired by Jewish values and ideals, and spurred by the worsening COVID crisis, Cantor Elizabeth Sternlieb is collaborating with an exciting cast of fellow cantors and notable Jewish singer-songwriters across the country to present a virtual benefit concert on Sunday, December 13, the fourth night of Chanukah.

Admission to the concert will be by ticket only, and funds raised will benefit MAZON, the national advocacy organization working to end hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds in the US and Israel. The program will feature original music composed by the cantors and singer-songwriters. As a conclusion, the Chanukah blessings will be sung by the virtual ensemble in a moving, nationwide candle-lighting ceremony. 
Click here to purchase tickets

Exploring Israel's Chanukah Archeology of Hellenism and Judaism in Beit She'arim
with Tour Guide, Historian and Beth El 2019 Israel Trip Leader Aliza Avshalom
Wednesday, December 16 at 7:00 pm

As participants of Beth El's 2019 Israel trip can attest, Aliza Avshalom is a master educator and lecturer on Israeli history, culture and archeology. Together with Aliza, we will take a virtual tour of the newest finds at the archeological site of Beit She'arim. This site containing the largest Jewish catacombs was recently recognized by UNESCO as a site of world culture. We will explore the art and symbols of the Jews of ancient Israel, how the menorah arose as a Jewish symbol and how then the menorah became the nine-branched chanukiah which we light at this season. 
Click here to join us on Zoom

Creative CD Chanukah Dreidel 
Here is a fun craft for you to create at home, click on the video below to watch and enjoy this modern take on the traditional toy!