Happy Hanukkah! Places to celebrate the festival of lights in Vermont this year
Happy Hanukkah, friends!
The Jewish festival of lights begins at nightfall this Sunday, Dec. 18, and continues through the evening of Monday, Dec. 26. Celebrations, including public menorah lightings, dreidel games, musical performances, and more, will be happening across the state throughout the holiday's eight days.
This article focuses on Burlington, Middlebury, Shelburne, and Waterbury, but for a full calendar of statewide events, check the website of the Jewish Communities of Vermont: https://www.jewishcommunitiesofvermont.org/events
The holiday has many different spellings, including "Hanukkah" and "Chanukah." This article will be using the "Hanukkah" spelling, unless an event uses a different spelling.
Saturday, Dec. 17
Yes, Hanukkah starts on Dec. 18 this year, but why not get into the holiday spirit a day early? An evening of eating latkes and playing dreidel for chocolate gelt will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Temple Sinai on 500 Swift St. in South Burlington.
Sunday, Dec. 18
The first night of Hanukkah will be celebrated far and wide in Vermont.
Chabad of Burlington will carry on its annual tradition of lighting a giant menorah on the University of Vermont Green (at the corner of South Prospect and Main Streets) this Sunday, Dec. 18, at 4:30 p.m. According to the event flyer, there will be a performance by the Tamim Choir, as well as hot drinks, latkes, donuts, and "special Chanukah swag for everyone!"
Also in Burlington, Ohavi Zedek will be hosting their annual Chanukah Party this Sunday, Dec. 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at their synagogue at 188 N. Prospect St. The party kick off with an 11 a.m. performance by Brass Balagan. Menorah lighting will be at 12:20 p.m. At the party, new warm socks and gloves, adult and children sizes, will be collected for distribution by the Shuk to those who need.
Brass Balagan will be having a busy Sunday, as they will also be performing at the Chanukah party hosted by Beth Jacob Synagogue at 10 Harrison Ave. in Montpelier. The party will be from 1-3 p.m. on Dec. 18. If weather allows, the event will be outdoors, so dress warmly! The event is free but donations to the synagogue's food pantry will be accepted.
Sunday will be a historic day for many reasons, including that it will be Waterbury's first ever public menorah lighting, according to Chabad of Waterbury-Stowe, who will be hosting the free event. The ceremonies will take place from 3:30-5:25 p.m. at Rusty Parker Memorial Park in Waterbury, and will feature donuts latkes, gelt, dreidels, music, glow lights, sparklers, and more. It will be outside, so bring a coat (and a friend).
Monday, Dec. 19
On Monday, Dec. 19 at 5 p.m., Chabad of Vermont will be hosting a menorah lighting ceremony on the Shelburne Town Green at the corner of Falls and Shelburne Roads. According to the event flyer, there will be "latkes, donuts, and fun for everyone!"
Wednesday, Dec. 21
A night of "food, fun, and learning" can be found at the Scientific Family Chanukah Shebang, starting at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at Chabad of Burlington on 57 S. Williams St. in Burlington.
Thursday, Dec. 22
On Thursday, Dec. 22, Chabad of Burlington will be hosting their annual Car Parade. At 4 p.m., cars will drive from Chabad on 57 S. Williams St. to the Moran Frame on 1 Lake St. at the Burlington waterfront for a menorah lighting. A vegetarian dinner will be provided for $12.
Contact April Fisher at amfisher@freepressmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter: @AMFisherMedia
This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Hanukkah celebrations in Burlington, Montpelier, Watebury, Shelburne
