Hanukkah (or Chanukah) coincides with Thanksgiving this year, beginning on Wednesday, Nov. 27 and ending the following week on Thursday, Dec. 5.
According to Chabad.org, Hanukkah starts on the Hebrew calendar date of 25 Kislev and lasts for eight days. For those of us who aren't attuned to the Jewish calendar, that translates to sundown on Nov. 27.
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the story of the Maccabean Revolt against Syrian rulers in present day Israel 2,300 years ago. The Maccabees wanted to rededicate Jerusalem's main temple but had only enough oil to kindle the Eternal Light for one day. The oil lasted for eight days, according to the story, and the holiday of Hanukkah was born.
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Today, Jews generally celebrate by gathering together with family, lighting one candle on the menorah each of the eight nights, playing dreidel and eating special holiday foods such as potato latkes and babka.
While Patch was unable to find any Northfield celebrations, here's a look at some of the events happening throughout the Twin Cities:
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- Shir Tikvah in Minneapolis will hold a potluck dinner and service as a fundraiser from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5.
- Bet Shalom Congregation in Minnetonka will celebrate with a service featuring the children's choir at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29. An oneg with delicious latkes will follow the service.
- Temple Israel in Minneapolis will hold a celebration beginning at 5:15 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29. The event features a worship service and congregational dinner. For more events, go to templeisrael.com/calendarevents.htm.
- Mayhim Rabim is hosting its annual celebration from 4:30-7 p.m. on Dec. 1 at its Friends Meeting House on 44th Street and York Avenue in Minneapolis. The requested donation is $8 for adults, $2 for children, and max of $20 per family. For more information, contactoffice@mayimrabim.org or 612-247-5490.
For additional events happening around the Twin Cities, check out the community calendars on jewishminnesota.org or tcjewfolk.com.
TELL US: If you observe Hanukkah, what are your plans? If there are other events happening in or near Northfield, please share them in the comments section below.
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