Observing Hanukkah 2013 In Minnetonka

This year, Hanukkah coincides with Thanksgiving, beginning on Wednesday, Nov. 27 and ending the following week on Thursday, Dec. 5.

According to Chabad.org, Hanukkah starts on the Hebrew calendar date of 25 Kislev and lasts for eight days. For those of us who aren't attuned to the Jewish calendar, that translates to sundown on Nov. 27. 

• Bet Shalom Congregation in Minnetonka will celebrate with a service featuring the children's choir at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29. An oneg with delicious latkes will follow the service.
• Adath Jeshurun Congregation in Minnetonka will host a bingo and Hanukkah luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3 in the social hall. Cost is $12.
  
• Temple Israel in Minneapolis will hold a celebration beginning at 5:15 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29. The event features a worship service and congregational dinner. For more events, go to templeisrael.com/calendarevents.htm.
• Shir Tikvah in Minneapolis will hold a potluck dinner and service as a fundraiser from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5.

For additional events happening around the Twin Cities, check out the community calendars on jewishminnesota.org or tcjewfolk.com.

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the story of the Maccabean Revolt against Syrian rulers in present day Israel 2,300 years ago. The Maccabees wanted to rededicate Jerusalem's main temple but had only enough oil to kindle the Eternal Light for one day. The oil lasted for eight days, according to the story, and the holiday of Hanukkah was born.

Today, Jews generally celebrate by gathering together with family, lighting one candle on the menorah each of the eight nights, playing dreidel and eating special holiday foods such as potato latkes and babka.