Happy Hanukkah! Sunset Wednesday, Dec. 1, begins the eight days and nights of Hanukkah – named after the Hebrew word for “dedication.”
Pasadena’s Temple Beth-El celebrates the fourth day of Hanukkah on Saturday, Dec. 4, with 101 Menorahs a casual, festive observance that includes the entertainment of Rabbi Torop and the Jammin’ Jews, traditional treats like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiot (doughnuts), a sing-along, spinning of the dreidel and other games. The event is “BYOM” – bring your own Menorah – and you don’t have to be a congregation member to attend.
Likewise on Dec. 4, from 6:30 to 10 p.m., the Jewish Community Center-Suncoast presents the community-wide, third annual Havdalah and Great Dreidel Spin-off. The kid-centered event includes a “Spinagogue” tournament, doughnut-eating contest and other recreational activities. It all culminates with a supervised slumber party for children 6 and older.
The JCC-Suncoast is at 2075 Sunnydale Blvd, Clearwater, $10 per child or $20 per family. For information, call Todd Malberg at 727-321-6100 or tmalberg@jccsuncoast.org. Temple Beth-El is at 400 Pasadena Ave. S., St. Petersburg. Admission to 101 Menorahs is free. Call 727-347-6136.
This article appears in Nov 25 – Dec 1, 2010.