Updated 12.7: The Dec. 13 concert planned by Congregation Or Chadash, Temple Emanu-El and the Tucson Jewish Community Center has been canceled. An email from Temple Emanu-el read, in part, “Due to the rise in Covid cases in Pima County, and new county restrictions for gatherings, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the December 13th Chanukah Chappening … We are sorry that we could not hold this event, and we hope to be able to hold a similar event when the pandemic eases.”
Drive-in Hanukkah events are popping up all over town this year as the continuing coronavirus pandemic precludes indoor events.
Congregation Or Chadash, Temple Emanu-El and the Tucson Jewish Community Center will present a drive-in Hanukkah concert on Sunday, Dec. 13, 6:15-7 p.m. The concert will be held in the Tucson J’s north parking lot, next to Tucson Hebrew Academy.
The Avanim Band, Cantor Janece Cohen, and Cantorial Soloist Marjorie Hochberg will perform.
Strict COVID-19 precautions will be observed – attendees must remain in their cars. Hanukkah goodie bags will be distributed to each car by volunteers wearing face masks. Register by Thursday, Dec. 10 .
Congregation Anshei Israel will hold a drive-in Hanukkah event in its parking lot on Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m. Social distancing will be observed and masks are required.
Activities will include lighting the congregation’s large Hanukkiah in the parking lot, singing Hanukkah songs, a Hanukkah-themed bingo game, and a car decoration contest. RSVP by Dec. 9 to Amber at execassist@caiaz.org or 745-5550, ext. 225.
Chabad of Oro Valley’s drive-in event is also Dec. 13, 6 p.m. at the Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N Oracle Rd #165.
The event will feature music, lighting of a 9-foot menorah, multimedia entertainment with a fire and glow show, and a gift box for every car. Participants are encouraged to remain in their cars. Register your vehicle at www.jewishorovalley.com/menorah. The event also will be broadcast via Zoom at JewishOroValley.com/zoomroom .
Chabad of Oro Valley also will hold four pop-up, socially-distant menorah lightings, all at 5 p.m.: Dec. 10 at Oro Valley Public Library, Dec. 14 at Saddlebrooke 1 Clubhouse, Dec. 15 at Nanini Public Library, and Dec. 16 at Marana Town Hall. Advance registration is requested.
