Um..so I’m a day late and about 10 posts behind (including this Hanukkah post). I left for vacation on Sunday and am feeling very happy to have a break from the blog, facebook, twitter and well- everything. I have found time to eat a bag of pretzels, drink a pot of tea and rip through 3 magazines in 1 day: sheer happiness! So, it’s a day late- but the Happiest Hanukkah to everyone. I hope you have a joyful and memorable Hanukkah!
Grand Army Plaza Menorah Lighting- Brooklyn
Tuesday, December 20th -Wednesday, December 28th
Christmas trees don’t get to have all the fun. After all, Hanukkah is the festival of lights. This massive 32-foot tall, two-ton menorah will be lit every night of the holiday. Details: Intersection of Vanderbilt and Flatbush Avenues. Free
World’s Largest Hanukkah Menorah Lighting- Manhattan
Tuesday, December 20th – Wednesday, December 28th Friday at 3:30pm, Saturday at 8:30pm and 5:30pm on all other days
The miracle of Hanukkah takes on even greater significance for kids as they look upon the 32-foot, 4,000-pound, golden candelabra that grandly takes the spotlight near Central Park on the corner of 5th Avenue and 59th Street. At the beginning of the holiday, a celebration will include live music, singing and folk dancing, “Chanukah Gelt” for the children and hot latkes for everyone. FREE Details: Grand Army Plaza, Fifth Avenue at 59th Street
92nd Street Y Hannukah Fun
Tuesday-Tuesday, Dec 20th-27th, 4:30 pm (There will be no lighting for the Hanukkah Menorah on Dec 24th and Dec 25th)
Bring your dancing shoes and singing voices and end the celebration with Hanukkah chocolate gelt candies.
Details: Lexington Avenue and 92nd Street 1395 Lexington Avenue (212) 415-5500
The Fifth Night Brooklyn – A Hanukkah Party and Charitable Gift Giving Celebration
Wednesday, December 21st, 6:30-7:30pm
The Fifth Night is a fun, simple, age-appropriate way for young children to participate in Tzedakah, the Jewish tradition of charity, by giving one night of their Hanukkah gifts away to another child in need. This year we’re thrilled to be partnering with Little Essentials, a community based non-profit (started by a local, Fort Greene-area mom!) that provides free baby and toddler (to age 4) clothing, furniture and other essential items to Brooklyn, NY families living in poverty. After gift collecting, a communal candle lighting, some songs and a shared treat (dinner will not be served), a representative from Little Essentials will speak briefly to the children, thank them for their gifts, and describe how their donations will impact the recipients and their families. With the little ones in mind, we will be sure to keep the presentations short, and easy to understand. Details: Bija Kids Clinton Hill, 900 Fulton Street. Space is limited, so reserve your spot now: http://fifthnightbrooklyn.eventbrite.com/
Klez for Kids Family Concert at the Museum at Eldridge Street
Sunday, December 25th, 1pm
If you’re Jewish and wondering what to do with your kids on Christmas Day, head to the beautiful Eldridge Street Synagogue where you can all sing and dance to Yiddish music at the Museum’s annual family concert. Clarinetist Greg Wall and his band Klezmerfest will lead the audience on a musical tour of Eastern European Jewish culture ending with a festive audience-enacted shtetl wedding. Details: 12 Eldridge Street, New York, NY 10022 (212) 219-0888 $12 adults; $8 students and seniors; $6 children under 12
Family Concert: The Macaroons
Sunday, December 25 at 11:30 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm
Enjoy the big harmonies, irresistible melodies and a guitar-based sound that recalls everything from the Kinks, to Queens, to the Shins. Tickets required. Details: The Jewish Museum. Full details here including ticket prices.
Chanukah Celebration at West End Synagogue
Sunday, December 25 from 2-5 pm
When I lived on the UWS, this synagogue was steps away and I was always amazed at how many people came to their services. When I finally got around to looking at their programming, I realized why. Their Chanukah celebration is a big hit live music with Michelle Citrin, crafts and candle lighting. Details: The suggested donation is $5. $18 max per family. For more info, go to their site. 190 Amsterdam at 69th Street. NY, NY 10023.