Palm Beach synagogues to hold Festival of Lights on Dec. 18

This year’s Festival of Lights promises to be filled with delight and wonder with a packed schedule of events planned by Palm Beach’s Jewish community.

Hanukkah begins this year on Dec. 18 and wraps up Dec. 26. The eight-day celebration kicks off with a festival from 5 to 8 p.m. in Bradley Park that will include live music, food, games and rides for children, along with the annual menorah lighting.

Planning for each year’s Hanukkah celebration begins in the summer, said Rabbi Moshe Scheiner of the Palm Beach Synagogue.

“Now we have to bring it all together,” he said. “It’s one of the busiest times of year. We try to maximize the holiday by reaching as many people as we can with as many activities and events as we can offer.”

That includes events leading up to Dec. 18, including a toy drive that starts Dec. 4 and ends at the Bradley Park event. Donations of new, unwrapped toys can be dropped off in the Palm Beach Synagogue lobby at 120 N. County Road.

All toys collected in the drive are delivered to children in local hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Scheiner asked that donors not forget about the many older children who may need a touch of cheer around the holidays. “They need a little bit more of a sophisticated toy,” he said of those ages 14-18, suggesting puzzles, games and books.

A women’s Hanukkah crafting class will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 11. Because it is at a private home, Scheiner said those interested in attending should call the synagogue to register, 561-838-9002. Crafters will create Hanukkah cards from scratch using different art modalities including stamping, embossing, etching, painting and die cut.

On Dec. 15, 19 and 22 synagogue members will have a booth at the Palm Beach Publix where residents can pick up a free menorah and dreidels, and enjoy latkes, doughnuts and candy.

Before the menorah lighting ceremony and celebration at Bradley Park on Dec. 18, there will be a Youth Hanukkah Extravaganza from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. that day with a Hanukkah chocolate factory and more activities to bring the Hanukkah story to life for children.

Organizers are prepared for 400 to 600 people at Bradley Park on Dec. 18, Scheiner said.

“The park fills up,” he said. “We kick off the holiday right away with the whole community.”

Attendees also can expect the unveiling of the menorah, which each year has a different theme. Last year's menorah was adorned with hundreds of fresh flowers, placed by synagogue volunteers.

With events such as Project Connect’s Hanukkah celebration for people with special needs and a night at the Palm Beach Ice Works ice rink, there is something for everyone, Scheiner said.

“It’s all designed around the traditions,” he said.

The centerpiece of every event is the menorah lighting, and each event incorporates traditional songs and food, Scheiner said.

But there is a modern touch, too.

“We want to reach every demographic,” Scheiner said. “We want to make Hanukkah special for everyone in the community, so we try to have something for everyone.”

*

Hanukkah events in Palm Beach

Dec. 4-18: Toy drive. Bring new, unwrapped toys to the Palm Beach Synagogue lobby, 120 N. County Road.

Dec. 11: Women’s Hanukkah Crafting from 7 to 9 p.m. Call 561-838-9002 to register.

Dec. 15, 19 and 22: Hanukkah at Publix. Pick up a menorah and dreidels and enjoy latkes, candy and doughnuts.

Dec. 18: Youth Hanukkah Extravaganza from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Walk through the story of Hanukkah and participate in activities that bring the Hanukkah story to life. At Palm Beach Synagogue.

Dec. 18: Hanukkah Celebration at Bradley Park from 5 to 8 p.m. Community menorah lighting with local dignitaries, entertainment, festivities and Hanukkah cuisine for all ages.

Dec. 19: Project Connect Hanukkah Concert with Dr. Laz from 5 to 7 p.m. This event is for children and adults with special needs. Dr. Laz and the Sensations perform non-verbal music. The event includes arts and crafts, face painting, a menorah lighting and dinner. At Palm Beach Synagogue.

Dec. 21: Hanukkah at The Royal from 5 to 7 p.m. A menorah lighting, Hanukkah food, entertainment and festivities for families and children. At The Royal Poinciana Plaza West Lawn, 340 Royal Poinciana Way.

Dec. 23: Community Hanukkah Shabbat Dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. Menorah lighting, a special Kabbalat Shabbat service and community Shabbat dinner led by Rabbi Scheiner. Reservations are required. Call 561-838-9002 to register. At Palm Beach Synagogue.

Dec. 24: Hanukkah on Ice from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Cost is $25 per adult and $18 per child. There will be a special ice menorah lighting, dinner, s’mores bar and ice skating. At Palm Beach Ice Works, 1590 N. Florida Mango Road, West Palm Beach. Pre-registration is required at palmbeachsynagogue.org.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Hanukkah plans in Palm Beach include toy drive, crafting class