Hanukkah is steeped in spiritual meaning and brought to life by the more than 80,000 Jewish Clevelanders and their families every year. The “Festival of Lights” is a celebration of the miraculous eight nights that a one-day supply of oil lit the menorah in Jersualem’s Holy Temple upon its rededication after it was retaken from the Seleucids.
Here are just a few of the ways you can celebrate this joyous holiday in The Land this season.
Lights, Love and Latkes
The Cleveland community embraces the spirit of Hanukkah with vibrant celebrations, delicious traditions and joyful togetherness.
Kick things off on Dec. 15 at Temple B’nai Abraham, where an afternoon of light, laughter and Hanukkah-themed activities awaits. On Dec. 26, cozy up in Mayfield Village to light the first candle in a cozy, heartwarming ceremony.
Beth El – The Heights Synagogue is hosting a celebration complete with latke dinner, Menorah lighting and plenty more on Dec. 29. Cap off the season on Dec. 30 when the Fromovitz Chabad Center brings the glow to Woodmere with their annual Menorah lighting.
Mazel and Merriment
On Dec. 6, experience Nariya Cleveland, where soulful melodies meet communal vibes — a musical Kabbalat Shabbat open to all. It kicks off with a 6 p.m. service to warm your spirit, followed by a 7:15 p.m. kosher dinner with vegetarian and fish options.
Get ready to shine at Funky Promukkah on Dec. 13, hosted by jHUB. Celebrate Hanukkah with a prom-inspired twist featuring a festive kosher dinner (latkes, sufganiyot and more), a DJ to keep you dancing and fun Hanukkah-themed icebreakers. Wear anything from sequins to your old prom tux.
Celebrate the first night of Chanukah on Dec. 25 with the Friends of the Maltz Museum. Enjoy menorah lighting, storytelling by docent Michelle Stern and songs led by Cantor Alyssa Rosenbaum. Kids can enjoy crafts and goodie bags and adults are welcome too.
Museum admission is free all day with a canned food donation benefiting the Kosher Food Bank and Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Explore the Museum’s latest exhibit and The Temple-Tifereth Israel Gallery while celebrating the season.
Hands-on Hanukkah
On Dec. 14 and 15 families on both the West and East Side are invited to a fun, hands-on Hanukkah crafting event. Kids ages 0-13 can create their own Hanukkiah, learn about the tradition of lighting it and receive tips to make their celebration magical. Whether it’s your first Hanukkah or your 40th, connect, create and get inspired. Snacks will be provided — because what’s Hanukkah without a bit of nosh?
Speaking of nosh, on Dec. 22, bake and decorate cookies along with the shul at Beth El – The Heights Synagogue.