Hanukkah begins Dec. 18. Here's where you can find services in the Poconos
Hanukkah is the “festival of lights,” during which Jewish faithful celebrate by lighting a menorah candle each night with special prayers, songs and latkes over eight days. This year, Hanukkah begins at sunset on Sunday, Dec.18.
Rabbi Peg Kershenbaum of the Congregation B'nai Harim was excited, and hoped to be able to get together in person after the last two years were celebrated online due to COVID-19 restrictions.
This year's festivities are shadowed by an impending storm forecast for northeast Pennsylvania. Be sure to check in with your congregation on the status of service times and events in regards to the weather.
Read on for a list of Hannukah services and events planned in Monroe, Pike, Wayne and Lackawanna counties.
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Monroe County
Congregation B'nai Harim: Located at 5349 Pocono Crest Rd, Pocono Pines
B’nai Harim ("Children of the Mountains") is led by Rabbi Peg Kershenbaum and the congregation is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism.
It offers a blend of Jewish practices an in addition to religious services, B’nai Harim offers a variety of cultural, social, adult and family events. There are regularly scheduled educational talks on relevant topics, Hebrew lessons, intergenerational programs and ongoing book discussions.
Hanukkah Party: 1:30 p.m., Sunday. A fun afternoon of latkes and doughnuts, featuring David Mesmer Comedy Hypnosis Show.
Cost is $20 for adults, children under 12 are free.
Info: Go to bnaiharimpoconos.org/ or call 570-646-0100 to learn more.
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Temple Israel of the Poconos: Located at 711 Wallace Street, Stroudsburg
Temple Israel of the Poconos is led by Rabbi Johanan Bickhardt.
It was founded during Yom Kippur in 1919 and is a conservative affiliated congregation that follows the principle of matrilineal descent. They work closely with each family, helping introduce them to the tenets of basic Judaism and offer courses in basic Judaism and more.
Chanukah Community Candle Lighting and Dinner: 5 p.m., Sunday. On the first night of Hanukkah, enjoy music, dancing, face painting and more, bring a menorah and candles to light.
Info: Go to templepoconos.org or call 570-421-8781 to learn more.
Jewish Resource Center of Poconos: Located at 1210 N 5th Steet, Stroudsburg.
The Jewish Resource Center of the Poconos was founded and has been led by Rabbi Yehuda Salkow since 2006.
It offers resources for a broad range of cultural, educational and social Jewish experiences. The JRC’s curriculum of events and programs is designed to offer stimulating and enjoyable content for all ages, irrespective of anyone’s political or religious affiliations. They offer youth programs, Holiday experiences, Torah classes, Heritage Trips, and more.
Chanukah Celebration: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 21. Enjoy the Menorah lighting, dreidel games, food, magic show and children's activities.
Cost is $15 per adult, $10 for children aged 3 to 11.
Info: For more info go to poconojrc.org or call 570-517-0815.
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Lackawanna County
Temple Hesed: Located at 1 Knox Rd, Scranton.
Temple Hesed is a Union for Reform Judaism member synagogue and Scranton’s first and oldest Jewish congregation. It is led by Rabbi Daniel Swartz.
Temple Hesed, known as the Temple of Loving Kindness, is a community of individuals and families from Lackawanna County and surrounding NEPA areas.
Hannukah service: 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 23. Preceded by potluck dinner, reservations are required.
Info: Learn more by going to templehesed.org or calling 570-344-7201.
Wayne County
Congregation Beth Israel: Located at 615 Court St, Honesdale.
Congregation Beth Israel of Honesdale is let be Rabbi Elliott Kleinman and is part of the Union of Reform Judaism. Since 1849, they boast their willingness to embrace change.
While expressing the utmost appreciation for their heritage, they are open to modern views of Judaism. Beth Israel is proudly open to progressive values and only stipulations are that members must be dedicated to a reasonable ethical code and they must be welcoming of all of members.
The Pre-Chanukah Dinner followed by services slated for Friday have been cancelled due to winter weather. For more information go to congregationbethisraelhonesdale.org or call 570-253-2222.
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Pike County
The Jewish Fellowship of Hemlock Farms: Located at 540 Forest Drive, Lords Valley.
According to t The Jewish Fellowship of Hemlock Farms website, the fellowship has been the center of Jewish life in Pike County for over 40 years. As an unaffiliated non-profit religious organization, the congregation is made up of families and individuals "who foster and pursue the rituals, customs, and joys of Judaism, regardless of current or prior practice and/or affiliation."
Members consist of practitioners of Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative, Orthodox, and secular traditions, including full-time residents, weekenders, and snowbirds.
Chanukah Menorah Lighting: 6 to 6:30 p.m., Sunday.
Info: Learn more by checking out the website at jfhf.org, emailing jfhf1516@gmail.com, or calling 570-775-7497.
This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: Hanukkah in the Poconos: Where you can attend services, events
