Your Guide to a Hanukkah Celebration in Cleveland
Where to catch “Festival of Light” festivities in The Land
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 the Formovitz Cahbad Center, where an evening of light, laughter and an exciting live trampoline show awaits. Then on Dec. 16, head downtown for the heartwarming ceremony the grand menorah lighting in Public Square.
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. 12, 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 jHUB's Hanukkah Party on Dec. 14, hosted by jHUB. Celebrate with Hanukkah-themed foods, crafts for kids all ages, and two live music performances by Billy Jonas. It's a great opportunity to connect with community and feel the love for the season.
Celebrate the first night of Hanukah on Dec. 14 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 families across the region are invited to be a part of the Light After Dark Menorah Parade. The parade route starts at Legacy Village and finishes with a grand menorah lighting at 6:30 p.m.. Whether it’s your first Hanukkah or your 40th, connect, create and get inspired in the community. Snacks will be provided — because what’s Hanukkah without a bit of nosh?
End the year with the ultimate Hanukkah celebration, the Hanukkah Party hosted by Beth El – The Heights Synagogue. At the synagogue you'll enjoy music, ma'ariv, dinner, dreidels and of course the menorah lighting!
