Hanukkah is a minor holiday on the religious calendar, but it has become an important time to celebrate Jewish joy and express Jewish pride. There are many Hanukkah happenings around Southern Arizona this year, with festivities starting several weeks before the first candle on Friday, Dec. 4. Many congregations will celebrate Shabbat Hanukkah on Dec. 4.
Here’s a roundup of events (check the Community Calendar or your favorite synagogues/organizations for additions):
Saturday, Nov. 14
5-8:45 p.m.: Kol Ami Synagogue’s Festival of Jewish Joy is not primarily a Hanukkah event, but there will be an artisans’ market featuring Hanukkah gifts and supplies and Hanukkah-themed kids’ activities, plus live music, food demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and education for all ages. Free to attend, with fees for optional dinner and/or whiskey tasting. More information and registration are at https://www.katucson.org/festival-of-jewish-joy
Sunday, Nov. 22:
9 a.m .– 1 p.m.: Congregation Anshei Israel will hold a Jewish Chanukkah Market & Judaica Exchange, with local artisans on hand. Shop for new treasures. Donate new or gently used Judaica items by Nov. 15. Call (520) 745-5550 for more information.
3:30-5:30 p.m: PJ Library and Tucson Torah Day School present Lights, Latkes & Laughter, featuring an LED light show with Cirque Circus Collective, festive Hanukkah crafts and a latke dinner. Free, but registration is required at tucsontds.org/chanukah
Friday, Dec.4
6:30 p.m.: Congregation Beit Simcha live hanukkiah lighting the first two nights at 12111 N. La Cholla Blvd., and the remaining nights on their Facebook page
6:30 – 8 p.m.: Kol Ami Synagogue Chanukah Pajamukah Kulanu Service
Saturday, Dec. 5
5-7 p.m. Congregation B’nai Midbar Hanukkah celebration with dinner, entertainment, and music. $20 for chicken and latkes plus potluck for appetizers, sides, and desserts. RSVP by Dec. 1 to Leslie Stewart at [email protected].
Sunday, Dec. 6
8 a.m.: Tucson J Hanukkah Hot Cocoa Run 5k/1k/1 mile. Learn more and register here.
2-3:30 p.m.: Tucson J Awakening the Lights concert featuring Shofar and Chorale Sounds, with Bar Tzemach and the Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. Tickets $30 in advance /$35 at the door. Register here.
3-5 p.m.: Chabad of Oro Valley Northwest Chanukah Festival, Oro Valley Marketplace (near Tuk Tuk Thai). Free; more information at www.jewishorovalley.com/festival.
4:30 p.m.: Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona presents Jews at the Zoo, featuring light bites, performances from Tucson Hebrew Academy, the Pathways to Asia exhibit, and Zoo Lights entrance at 6 p.m. $18/$72 per family. Registration required by Nov. 30, here.
5 PM: Chabad of Cochise County-Sierra Vista outdoor menorah lighting, Veteran’s Memorial Park, 3105 E. Fry Blvd. Includes treats and music. Menorah lightings will be held in Benson on Dec. 8, Bisbee on Dec. 9, and Ft. Huachuca on Dec. 10. More information is here.
5-6 p.m.: Chabad Tucson 43rd annual lighting ceremony of Tucson’s tallest Menorah, El Presidio Plaza (outside City Hall),160 W Alameda St. Includes songs, holiday treats, crafts, and personal menorahs to take home.
6 p.m.: Congregation Anshei Israel Brisket & Bright Lights Community Chanukkah Celebration, preceded by minyan at 5:30 p.m. Candle lighting, dinner, and sing-along. Members: $100 per family (up to 2 adults & 3 children), $30 per adult (13+), $20 per child; guests, $40 per adult (13+), $30 per child. RSVP by Dec. 1, here.
6 p.m., Congregation Beit Simcha “Great 8: 8th Anniversary & Hanukkah Celebration,” with music, latkes, birthday cake and drinks. 12111 N. La Cholla Blvd. RSVP at www.beitsimchatucson.org.
Monday, Dec. 7
7 pm, Tucson Torah Center/TTC Tribe “Festival of De-Lights: The Ultimate Donut Showdown,” at the Tucson J. Team competition, light bites. $10. RSVP at tucsonttc.org/delights
Wednesday, Dec. 9
6-8 p.m.: Tucson Hebrew Academy Chanukah show.
