“The proper response, as Chanukah teaches, is not to curse the darkness but to light a candle.” –Rabbi Dr. Irving “Yitz” Greenberg, author, theologian, activist and educator
Perhaps more than any other time in recent memory, the lights of the chanukiah will shine brighter and offer more hope and comfort than any other Chanukah season.
With the pandemic raging on and a challenging winter in sight, this year’s Festival of Lights — observed this year from Dec. 10-18 — is a welcome respite. The joy and meaning of Chanukah — regardless of your preferred phoenetic spelling — will touch American Jews and other souls in ways like never before, with the realization that no virus can stop us from celebrating one of our most beloved holidays.
The following is a listing of Chanukah events and gatherings (virtual and otherwise) in the Baltimore metropolitan area. Get out your dreidels, menorahs and latkes, and have yourself a freilich little Chanukah!
Thursday, Dec. 3, 7:30-9 p.m.
Chizuk Amuno Congregation in Pikesville will present “Lotsa Latkes,” a live cooking demo on Zoom with Chef Bryan Crystal of Bryan’s Bakery. Participants will learn how to make two different types of potato pancakes and what pairs well with them. For information, visit chizukamuno.org/events/lotsa-latkes-baking-with-bryan.
Sunday, Dec. 6, 10-11 a.m.
Celebrate Chanukah with The Ivy Bookshop in Mount Washington and the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore with free story-time, songs and a take-home activity kit to accompany the virtual session. For children ages up to 5 years. Visit jcc.org/2020-chanukah-events.
Sunday, Dec. 6, 2 p.m.
“A Pre-Chanukah Drive-By” at Summit Park Elementary School, 6920 Diana Rd., presented by the Friendship Circle of Baltimore. Featuring Chanukah gifts, gelt, crafts and more. Participants must remain in their vehicles and wear masks. For tickets, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeLw3O4BTSgu8jqo5RqGNZ91hCxiHvcVSaZYzC_KL4J9SD17A/viewform.
Sunday, Dec. 6, 2-4 p.m.
Temple Isaiah and PJ Library in Howard County will present “Hanukkah CARnival,” a drive-through Chanukah celebration with entertainment and treats, at Temple Isaiah, 12200 Scaggsville Rd. in Fulton. Register at Facebook event page.
Sunday, Dec. 6, 2:15-3:15 p.m.
Catch “Saba-ba: Grandparents on the Go!: Scientific Magic of Chanukah Show with Eric Energy” at Chizuk Amuno Congregation, 8100 Stevenson Rd. To be held in outdoor tents, this event is for grandparents and grandchildren, billed as “a socially distanced Chanukah science spectacular!” Giveaways and donuts for all. Register at https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/0SWjiSZmVLOMIBxQNOl_wg?t=1606235791
Sunday, Dec. 6, 3 p.m.
Join the Jewish Museum of Maryland for “Hanukkah in Space,” a family-friendly event held in partnership with the Enoch Pratt Free Library. The live-stream event will have stories about Chanukah traditions, stories and discussions about how astronauts celebrate the Festival of Lights in outer space. This program is for ages 5-7. For information, visit jewishmuseummd.org/events/hanukkah-in-space.
Thursday, Dec. 10, Noon to 1 p.m.
Virtual Chanukah Party sponsored by the 50+ Center and in collaboration with Chabad Ellicott City. Hear the Chanukah story from Rabbi Yanky Baron, watch Felicia Stein perform a donut taste competition and learn how to bake latkes with Rachel McCracken. For information, click here.
Thursday, Dec. 10, through Friday, Dec. 18
Celebrate Chanukah virtually with the Jewish Museum of Maryland, the Center for Jewish Education, PJ Library, the JCC, Eddie’s of Roland Park and other community partners. Every day, there will be stories, activities and candle-lighting. This program is free and best suited for children ages 5-10. Visit jewishmuseummd.org/events/hanukkah-story-series.
Thursday, Dec. 10, through Friday, Dec. 18, at 4:45 p.m.
The Edward A. Myerberg Center in Northwest Baltimore will present nightly Zoom candle-lighting ceremonies and parties for the Festival of Lights. Visit myerberg.org/festival.
Thursday, Dec. 10, through Friday, Dec. 18
Pikesville’s Beth El Congregation, in conjunction with other local Jewish organizations and groups, will present “Igniting the Spark,” eight nightly communal Chanukah experiences “designed to bring light into the darkness. For information, visit bethelbalto.com/hanukkah.
Thursday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m.
Join Chizuk Amuno’s Cantor Randy Herman for a rousing Chanukah sing-along for all ages. Join via Zoom.
Friday, Dec. 11, 6:15-8 p.m.
Baltimore Hebrew Congregation will host a virtual special Chanukah Shabbat service via StreamSpot. For information, visit baltimorehebrew.org/events/2020/12/11/shabbat-service/chanukah-service-and-dinner.
Saturday, Dec. 12, 8 p.m.
Chabad of Downtown’s Young Jewish Professionals 20s & 30s group will host a Chanukah party and Havdalah under the stars. This socially distant evening will feature a bonfire, a fire pit, s’mores and a menorah lighting. For information, click here.
Saturday, Dec. 12, 6 p.m.
“A Virtual Experience with Mentalist Jason Suran” will be presented by Pikesville’s Beth Tfiloh Congregation. This Chanukah event is geared for adults and children 13, including a Havdalah service and menorah lighting. 6 p.m.. Register at https://www.bethtfiloh.com/event-detail—cong?pk=8598918&fromId=245563.
Saturday, Dec. 12, 6-8:30 p.m.
Conservative congregations Beth El, Beth Israel, Chevrei Tzedek and Chizuk Amuno will present “Hanukkah at the Drive-In Movie Theater” at the Owings Mills JCC Drive-in Theatre, 3506 Gwynnbrook Ave. This gathering will include a Chanukah sing-along, a community candle-lighting ceremony and a Chanukah-themed movie on the big screen. For information, click here.
Sunday, Dec. 13, 5:30 p.m.
“Community Chanukah Concert and Candle” will be an interactive and music-filled gathering experienced at the Gordon Outdoors or on any device near you. The concert is hosted by nationally touring Jewish artist Rick Recht, and features Baltimore Jewish community leaders, clergy and families to shed light on the miracles in our community. Tickets include an in-person participation kit. For information, visit jcc.org/2020-chanukah-events or jcc.org/gordon-center/event/chanukah-rick-recht.
Thursday, Dec. 15, 6-9 p.m.
In partnership with the JCC, Chai Lifeline invites the entire community to a free drive-through Chanukah holiday light show experience for the whole family at the Owings Mills JCC, 3506 Gwynnbrook Ave. For information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/201055054852122.
Tuesday, Dec. 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Join Roland Park’s Bolton Street Synagogue and members of the LGBTQIA+ community for a virtual Chanukah celebration. The centerpiece of the evening will be a discussion of the 2001 documentary, “Trembling Before G-d,” with the film’s director, Sandi Simcha DuBowski, and people profiled in the movie. The event will be moderated by Idit Klein, president and CEO of Keshet, the national organization for LGBTQ equality in Jewish life. There will also be a candle-lighting and singing of Chanukah tunes. For information, click here.
Thursday, Dec. 15, 7-8 p.m.
“Let There Be Light,” a virtual trivia night, will be presented by the Baltimore Zionist District. Watch, play and answer in real-time, testing players’ knowledge in everything from movies, music and pop culture to Chanukah. Includes a deejay and music. For information, click here.
Tuesday, Dec. 15, 7-8:30 p.m.
Chizuk Amuno presents “TV Gone Jewy Hanukkah Edition” on Zoom. A look at at clips from TV shows (and maybe a movie or two) to explore how Jewish identity is being portrayed on TV and in the world, with Esther Kustanowitz, an award-winning writer, editor, consultant and speaker. Register here.
Wednesday, Dec. 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
The Macks Center for Jewish Education will present a “Drive-In Chanukah Family Night” featuring circus entertainer Michael Rosman in Chizuk Amuno’s parking lot, 8100 Stevenson Rd. Includes games, treats, prizes, candle-lighting ceremony and Chanukah treat bags. Limited to 25 cars. Social distancing will be observed. Register here.
Thursday, Dec. 17, 6:30-7 p.m.
Join Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah Hebrew Congregation for a parking lot Chanukah party at the synagogue at 7000 Rockland Hills Dr. There will be a giant menorah lighting and sing-along, as well as “Top 10 Things You Need to Know about Chanukah in 5 Minutes with the Rebs.” Everyone receives a goodie bag with Chanukah treats and free raffle tickets to win great prizes. Participants will be asked to stay in their vehicles or stand next to them. Masks will be required, and social distancing will be enforced. All vehicles will be parked two spaces apart. For information, call 410-653-7485 or visit http://www.mmae.org/.
Thursday, Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m.
The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore presents a “Chanukah Couples Cooking Class.” Celebrate the Festival of Lights with some seasonal fun. Join other couples virtually to create delicious latkes and enjoy the holiday. A Zoom link will be supplied after registering. In lieu of a registration fee, participants are asked to consider a donation to The Associated by visiting associated.org/give. For information, email Ali Duhan at aduhan@associated.org.
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