Metropolitan Ministries MetMin feeds thousands of homeless and poverty-stricken locals each month and you can lend a hand by volunteering at the holiday center, where donations are received, sorted and distributed. For more information, call 813-209-1044. Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Center is located on the 2100 block of N. Florida Avenue in Tampa.
CHANUKAH EVENTS
Chanukah Sale and Gift Shop A selection of gifts for adults and children. For more information, call 813-598-6479 or 727-785-3465. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mon.-Fri. at Congregation B'nai Emmunah, 3374 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs.
Sisterhood Judaica Gift Shop Featuring an abundance of Chanukah gift items. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mon.-Fri. at Schaarai Zedek, 3303 W. Swann Ave., Tampa, 813-876-2377.
Chanukah Gift Fair Congregation Beth Am's "Judaica by Sisterhood" presents its annual gift fair and bake sale of Chanukah gifts and kosher foods. All purchases are tax-free; credit cards accepted only for purchases over $25. Call 813-968-8511 for more information. 9:30 a.m. to noon Sun., Nov. 21 and Dec. 5, at Beth Am, 2030 W. Fletcher Ave., Tampa.
Tampa Jewish Community Center Annual Chanukah Party Children's activities include "pin the flame on the menorah," a water pistol menorah "shootout," cookie decorating with Chanukah designs, card making, a sing-along and much more. Adults can watch the Bucs game on the big screen while enjoying a latke recipe exchange and other relaxing activities. Dinner is served at 5 p.m. after the menorah lighting. For more information or to make reservations, call 813-264-9000 or go to www.jewishtampa.com. General admission is $10 for adults and $8 for children (JCC members receive a $2 discount). 3-6 p.m. Sun., Dec. 12, at the JCC Campus, 13009 Community Campus Drive (Veterans Expressway and Gunn Highway), Tampa.
Chanukah Tot Shabbat Families are invited to join Rabbi Arthur Baseman for "Dinner with the Maccabees," which is followed by a telling of the story of Chanukah, finding the "hidden oil," a lighting of the children's menorah and a Chanukah sing-a-long. To make reservations, call 727-531-5829. $8 adults/$5 children. 6:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 3, at Temple Bnai Israel, 1685 S. Belcher Road, Clearwater.
Downtown Tampa Public Menorah Lighting A celebration of the beginning of Chanukah with a giant menorah, live music and entertainment, hot latkes and more. 5:30 p.m. Tues., Dec. 7, at the downtown Tampa City Hall Plaza (Franklin Street and Kennedy Boulevard).
Chanukah Celebration at the Mall Chabad Lubavich of Sarasota and Manatee counties presents this public Chanukah celebration that features child performances, Judah the Maccabbee, dreidels, face painting and a 9-foot menorah. Call 941-925-0770 for more information. From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7-15 at Westfield Shoppingtown, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
Chanukah Family Dinner Join Rabbi Arthur Baseman for a shabbat meal (including latkes) and a celebration of the fourth night of Chanukah with a lighting of the menorah (families are encouraged to bring their own menorah to "light up the room"). A special Chanukah and Shabbat service (open to all) follows. Call 727-531-5829 to make reservations. Dinner is $10 for adults and $5 for children. 6:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 10, at Temple Bnai Israel, 1685 S. Belcher Road, Clearwater.
Chanukah Party Chabad of Tampa presents an evening of fun Chanukah festivities, including arts and crafts, an olive-oil-pressing workshop, music and lots of tasty foods. Call 813-963-2317 for more information or to make reservations. 7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 11, at Chabad of Tampa, 14908 Pennington Road, Tampa.
Chanukah Festival and Menorah Lighting Join Chabad of Bradenton for its first annual festival, which includes a drawing, face painting, doughnuts, music, hot latkes, balloons and more. Call 941-758-2799 for more information. 3 to 5 p.m. Sun., Dec. 12, at Prime Outlets — Ellenton, 5461 Factory Shopps Blvd., Ellenton.
Chanukah Bash Chabad of Brandon presents an evening of Chanukah festivities and fun, including an assortment of children's activities, a special olive-oil-press workshop, a Chanukah family game show and tons of yummy foods. For more information, visit www.chabadbrandon.org or call 813-685-7289. Entry is $4 for adults and $5 for children. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 12, at Shirley's Dance Studio, 4326 Bell Shoals Road, Valrico.
NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATIONS
2004 New Year's Eve Gala: Ultimo Tango The festivities begin with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at the mezzanine, followed by a four-course meal in the main ballroom and an evening of dancing to the music of The Florida Orchestra and the Southtown Fever Dance Band. Alcohol and beverages are served throughout the evening and The Florida Orchestra benefits. Tickets: $350/$500 per person. Call 813-286-1170 to make reservations. 6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fri., Dec. 31, at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort, 501 Fifth Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg.