Chanukah Chappenings

Chanukah Chappenings

A calendar of holiday events

Public lightings, special needs programming, gift-donating (not just giving), and lots of latkes make up the Chanukah events taking place throughout our area beginning after Shabbat ends on Saturday, Dec. 8. As of press time and deadlines, here are the highlights, as assembled by Beth Janoff Chananie. Check next week’s Calendar of Events for additional listings.

December 2

Temple Avodat Shalom in River Edge hosts a Chanukah-themed Mother’s Circle minicourse on Jewish parenting for mothers of other religious backgrounds who are raising Jewish children. The topics they will tackle include how to create a Jewish home, a Jewish child’s life-cycle events, and an overview of the Jewish holidays. The group meets at the shul, 9 a.m. Made possible by a joint grant to the Jewish Outreach Institute and the shul from the Adler Family Innovation Fund. 385 Howland Ave. Stephanie, (201)
489-2463, ext. 202, or administrator@avodatshalom.net.

Congregation B’nai Jacob in Jersey City offers Lox ‘n Learning, 9:30 a.m., featuring tsimbl player and recording artist Pete Rushefsky, most recently heard on Itzhak Perlman’s newly released CD of Jewish music. Bagels and lox and wine and cheese. Family Chanukah workshop. Babysitting available. 176 West Side Ave. (201) 435-5725 or bnaijacobjc.org.

The Gerrard Berman Day School Solomon Schechter of North Jersey in Oakland hosts “Mosaic Menorah Magic,” for 2- to 8-year-olds, 10-11:30 a.m. Magic show, music, and doughnuts. Sponsored by local Dunkin’ Donuts, JFSNJ, and Artistic Tile. 45 Spruce St. Amy Shafron, (201) 337-1111, ext. 302, or ashafron@gmail.com.

Ben Porat Yosef offers “Reading Rocks,” with an author presentation, scavenger hunt, puppet show, and face painting at the Barnes & Noble at Riverside Square Mall, Hackensack, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (201) 845-5007, ext. 16, or www.benporatyosef.org.

Congregation Gesher Shalom, the Jewish Community Center of Fort Lee, holds its annual holiday boutique, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 1449 Anderson Ave. (201) 947-1735.

Temple Emanu-El of Closter hosts its Chanukah Bash & Volunteer Expo, featuring a concert by Shir La La and arts and crafts, 9:15 a.m. 180 Piermont Road. (201) 750-9997 or ween@templeemanu-el.com.

The Wayne YMCA holds a Chanukah festival, 12:30 p.m., with face painting, arts and crafts, chocolate making, latkes, doughnuts, and Scholastic Book Fair. Stretch the Silly Man will perform at 1, and there will be a Chanukah story in the Goldman Library at 2. Bring unwrapped new toys for a toy drive. Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey. The Metro YMCAs of the Oranges is a partner of the YM-YWHA of North Jersey. 1 Pike Drive. (973) 595-0100, ext. 250.

“Hershel and the Chanukah Goblins: A Family Chanukah Program” includes storytelling, songs, arts and crafts, and a concert by Play Me a Story at the Museum of Jewish Heritage-A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, Manhattan, 2 p.m. The group includes the Israeli-born duo, teacher/actress Maya Blank and instrumentalist Uri Sharlin. Made possible through a gift from the Margaret Neubart Foundation Trust. (646) 437-4202 or www.mjhnyc.org.

The Men’s Club of Temple Beth Sholom in Fair Lawn offers “Latke and Vodka,” includes hors d’oeuvres, homemade latkes, vodka, and beverages, at 5:30 p.m. Bring a unwrapped new toy to donate. 40-25 Fair Lawn Ave. (201) 797-9321.

December 5

A menorah will be lit at Paramus Borough Hall, 7 p.m. 1 Jockish Square. (201) 265-2100 or www.paramusborough.org.

Rabbi Reuven Kimelman, Judaic scholar-in-residence at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades in Tenafly, discusses “Our Chanukah Versus the Chanukah of History, the Talmud, and the Siddur” at the JCC, 8:15 p.m. (201) 408-1429 or www.jccotp.org.

December 6

Shalom Baby offers a Chanukah party at the Fair Lawn Jewish Center/Congregation Bnai Israel, 9:30-10:45 a.m. The group presents a way for moms and dads whose children range from newborns or newly adopted through age 3 to connect with each other and the Jewish community through a monthly series of play dates with play, music, storytimes, snacks, and crafts projects. Administered by the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey’s Synagogue Leadership Initiative and co-funded by the Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation. 10-10 Norma Ave. Ellen Finkelstein, (201) 820-3917 or ellenf@jfnnj.org.

December 7

Temple Beth Rishon in Wyckoff ushers in Chanukah with a congregational dinner and services, 6 p.m. The Strauss/Warschauer Duo performs with Cantors Ilan Mamber and Jenna Daniels along with the Kol Rishon adult choir and the Zemer Rishon teen choir. (201) 891-4466 or www.bethrishon.org.

Temple Emanu-El of Closter holds a congregational Chanukah/new member dinner, 6 p.m. 180 Piermont Road. (201) 750-9997.

December 8

Chabad of NW Bergen County holds a menorah lighting and celebration at Wyckoff Town Hall, 6:30 p.m. Mayor Chris DePhillips and local officials will be there; it will include hot Chanukah refreshments, glow giveaways, and grand raffle. (201) 848-0449 or www.chabadplace.org.

The North Jersey Jewish Singles group (45-60) at the Clifton Jewish Center hosts the Chanukah “Boomers’ Dance” with a DJ, 7-10:30 p.m.; doors open at 6:30. Refreshments. Bring a grab-bag gift valued from $5-$10. Martine or Karen, (973) 772-3131 or www.meetup.com (use group name).

December 9

The Dora and Sidney Miller Early Childhood Center at the JCC of Paramus holds Holiday Playtime, an interactive program with holiday crafts, music, dance, refreshments, and playtime, for 2- to 4-year-olds with their parents or grandparents, 10 a.m. Free. Judy Fox, (201) 967-1334 or eccdirector@jccparamus.org.

The United Synagogue of Hoboken’s Kaplan Cooperative Preschool presents Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights, a kindie-rock band, 11 a.m. 115 Park Ave. (201) 653-8666 or ushpreschool@gmail.com.

Bris Avrohom of Fair Lawn presents Chanukah Wonderland; children can help make a large menorah cake; eat lunch, latkes, doughnuts, and cotton candy, play in a bounce house and at other carnival games, make candles, and more, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 30-02 Fair Lawn Ave. www.jewishfairlawn.org.

Temple Israel and JCC in Ridgewood hosts a Chanukah party for preschoolers and their younger siblings, 11:30 a.m. Storytelling, crafts, games, and food. 475 Grove St. (201) 444-9320 or office@synagogue.org.

Temple Avodat Shalom in River Edge hosts “Hot Hot Hanukkah,” with activities for ages 2- to 5- year-olds, noon, and concert for all ages by Matty Roxx at 1 p.m. 385 Howland Ave. (201) 489-2463, ext. 201 or administrator@avodatshalom.net.

Temple Sinai of Bergen County in Tenafly hosts a Chanukah celebration with food, music, sports & games, arts and crafts, a magician and more; noon-2 p.m. 1 Engle St.(201) 568-3075.

The Jewish Museum in Manhattan presents its annual Chanukah Family Day with a performance by Yosi and the Superdads, an art workshop, and gallery tours, noon-4 p.m. For children 3 and up, accompanied by an adult. (212) 423-3200 or TheJewishMuseum.org/specialfamilydays.

Shirah, the Community Chorus on the Palisades, led by its founding director and conductor Matthew Lazar, performs a Chanukah concert at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades in Tenafly, 2 p.m. 411 East Clinton Ave. (201) 408-1465 or jccotp.org/shirah.

Lubavitch on the Palisades in Tenafly holds its annual Family Chanukah Festival, featuring M-Generation Boys Concert, 4 p.m., menorah contest details at www.chabadlubavitch.org/menorahcontest, dreidels, doughnuts, and latkes. 11 Harold St. (201) 871-1152 or www.chabadlubavitch.org.

The Chabad Center of Passaic County hosts its grand Chanukah festival with an ice carving and refreshments at the Chabad Center in Wayne, 3 p.m. Menorah lighting at 4:30. 194 Ratzer Road. (973) 694-6274 or www.jewishwayne.com

Barnert Temple in Franklin Lakes holds a Chanukah celebration with outdoor menorah lighting, potluck supper, and latke taste-off, 4:45 p.m. Music by NYC Klezmer. Bring an unwrapped toy to be donated to CUMAC (Center of United Methodist Aid to the Community). 747 Route 208 South.(201) 848-1027.

Lubavitch on the Palisades of Tenafly offers a chanukiyah lighting at the gazebo at the Demarest Duck Pond, 5 p.m. (201) 871-1152 or www.chabadlubavitch.org.

December 10

The Teaneck-Hackensack chapter of Hadassah meets for Chanukah at Congregation Beth Sholom, Teaneck, for entertainment by storyteller Sara Sloan and refreshments at 12:30 p.m. 354 Maitland Ave. (201) 503-1897.

Chabad of NW Bergen County holds a menorah lighting and celebration at Mahwah Town Hall, 6 p.m. Mayor Bill Laforet and local officials will be there. Hot Chanukah refreshments, glow-giveaways, and grand raffle. (201) 848-0449 or www.chabadplace.org.

Lubavitch on the Palisades of Tenafly offers a lighting at Huyler Park, 7 p.m. (201) 871-1152 or www.chabadlubavitch.org.

Bris Avrohom of Fair Lawn lights the menorah with the Fair Lawn’s Mayor Jeanne Baratta in front of Fair Lawn City Hall, 7:30 p.m. doughnuts and chocolate gelt. 8-01 Fair Lawn Ave. www.jewishfairlawn.org.

December 11

The Englewood & Cliffs chapter of ORT America hosts Chanukah lunch with “Spark and Spirit, A Musical Holiday Celebration,” featuring soprano Doris Weiss and her award-winning composer husband, Elliot, at Congregation Gesher Shalom/JCC of Fort Lee, noon. Chanukah gift boutique at 11:30 a.m. Kosher Chinese food. 1449 Anderson Ave. Shirley, (201) 585-1748.

The Jewish Community Center of Paramus offers dinner, 5:30 p.m., outdoor menorah lighting, songs, and dessert. E. 304 Midland Ave. Reservations. (201) 262-7691 or office@jccparamus.org

Lubavitch on the Palisades of Tenafly offers a chanukiyah lighting at the corner of Piermont and Ruckman roads in Closter, 7 p.m. (201) 871-1152 or www.chabadlubavitch.org.

The Manhattan Sephardic Congregation offers a Chanukah party with food, drinks, music, and interactive games including ping pong, for singles, 30-50, 7 p.m. 375 East 75th St., Manhattan. (212) 988-6085 or www.sepharad.org.

December 12

Shalom Baby offers a Chanukah party at the Gerrard Berman Solomon Schechter Day School of North Jersey in Oakland, 9:30-10:45 a.m. The group offers a way for moms and dads whose children range from newborns or newly adopted through age 3 to connect with each other and the Jewish community through a monthly series of play dates with play, music, storytimes, snacks, and crafts projects. Administered by the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey’s Synagogue Leadership Initiative and co-funded by the Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation. 45 Spruce St. Ellen Finkelstein, (201) 820-3917 or ellenf@jfnnj.org.

Lubavitch on the Palisades of Tenafly offers a chanukiyah lighting at the corner in front of the Cresskill Library, 7 p.m. (201) 871-1152 or www.chabadlubavitch.org.

December 13

Shalom Baby offers a Chanukah party at Congregation B’nai Israel in Emerson, 9:30-10:45 a.m. The group offers a way for moms and dads whose children range from newborns or newly adopted through age 3 to connect with each other and the Jewish community through a monthly series of play dates with play, music, storytimes, snacks, and crafts projects. Administered by the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey’s Synagogue Leadership Initiative and co-funded by the Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation. 53 Palisade Ave. Ellen Finkelstein, (201) 820-3917 or ellenf@jfnnj.org.

The sisterhood of Congregation Gesher Shalom/JCC of Fort Lee meets to celebrate Chanukah, 12:30 p.m. 1449 Anderson Ave. (201) 947-1735.

Bris Avrohom of Fair Lawn offers an adult Chanukah café, 8 p.m. Sushi buffet and wines from Israel. www.jewishfairlawn.org.

The Museum of Jewish Heritage-A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, Manhattan, offers “Light Up the Night,” the museum’s Young Friends annual Chanukah party for Jewish professionals in their 20s and 30s, with a DJ, dancing, buffet dinner, a high-end raffle, and gift bag for guests. Cocktail attire. 8 p.m.-midnight. (646) 437-4319 or choffman@mjhnyc.org.

December 14

Temple Sinai of Bergen County’s Early Childhood Center in Tenafly hosts Chanukah Tot Shabbat. Services, 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and menorah lighting. 1 Engle St., Tenafly; (201) 568-6867 or SAidekman@templesinaibc.org.

Temple Avodat Shalom in River Edge holds a family Chanukah celebration. Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m.; Shabbat/Chanukah dinner, 6:30; services , BBQ dinner for all -reservations and fee required. At 7:30, family services with sign language interpreter, 7:30. 385 Howland Ave. (201) 489-2463, ext. 203 or www.avodatshalom.net.

Temple Beth El of Northern Valley in Closter celebrates Chanukah with its annual “101 Menorahs” Shabbat, 6 p.m. Bring a menorah and seven candles. Latkes and donuts; concert by Temple Beth El’s new Junior Band. 221 Schraalenburgh Road. (201) 768-5112 or www.tbenv.org.

Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley in Woodcliff Lake holds a Chanukah service for young families, 7 p.m. (201) 391-0801.

Cong. B’nai Jacob in Jersey City hosts Chanukah Shabbat dinner and a musical celebration, 6:30 p.m. 176 West Side Ave. (201) 435-5725 or info@bnaijacobjc.org.

Temple Emeth in Teaneck offers a Shabbat Chanukah family celebration, beginning with dinner, 6:15 p.m.; services at 8. Bring menorahs and candles and a nonperishable food item to donate to the Center for Food Action. 1666 Windsor Road. (201) 833-1322 or www.emeth.org.

Congregation Mount Sinai in Jersey City offers Shabbat Chanukah “Daven and Dine,” 7:30 p.m. 128 Sherman Ave. RavShlomo.MtSinai@gmail.com.

December 15

Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey’s eNgageNJ, a young leaders group, holds its Black and White Chanukah party at Avenue Event Space in Teaneck, 9 p.m. 1382 Queen Anne Road. Kimberly Schwartzman, (201) 820-3936 or kimberlys@jfnnj.org.

December 16

The Jewish Cultural School & Society offers a Chanukah family event with crafts, dreidel games, author reading, singing, ceremony, and pot-luck lunch, at the Baird Center in South Orange, 10 a.m. 5 Mead St. (973) 233-0714 or jcss-nj.org.

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