Celebrate Hanukkah in New Jersey - Information and EventsInformation and events on celebrating 2011 Hanukkah in NJ. Hanukkah is an Eight Day Jewish Festival Also known as the "Festival of Lights" |
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Hanukkah, the Hebrew word for dedication, commemorates the rededication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem which was vandalized after the Greek King of Syria forbade the Jews from worshipping or practicing many of their faith's rituals. The temple was reclaimed after a battle with the Syrian army for eight days and nights in 165 B.C.
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| Hanukkah is also a joyful celebration, especially for children. After lighting the Hanukkah candles together, families and invited guests will eat and play games. Traditional Hanukkah food is oil-rich in commemoration of the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days. Potato pancakes are a Hanukkah favorite. Israelis eat Hanukkah doughnuts called soofganiot. Dreidel (sivovon in Hebrew) is a traditional Hanukkah game, with game rules so simple that the whole family, from toddlers to grandparents can play together. The custom of giving Hanukkah gelt (money) to children has evolved into a gift-giving tradition in many Jewish families today. | |
This year the eight day Jewish festival of lights runs from December 21 to 28, 2011, and is celebrated by the lighting of the menorah. According to the Talmud, at the re-dedication of the temple, there was only enough consecrated olive oil to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, which was the length of time it took to press, prepare and consecrate fresh olive oil.Celebrations of 2011 Hanukkah in New Jersey |
Holiday Lighting Ceremony at The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Yo La Tengo Eight Nights of Hanukkah Hurray for Hanukkah |
Bradley Beach Menorah Lighting Jackson Township - Menorah Lighting River Vale - Menorah Lighting Livingston Hanukah Celebration |
| Grand Public Menorah Lighting at the Cherry Hill Mall Wednesday, December 21, 2011 6:00 PM at JC Penny Court For information, Chabad at 856-874-1500 Following the kindling, there will be a program featuring music, delicious latkes and donuts, chocolate Chanukah Gelt for the children, dreidels, a raffle and family fun. |
Medford Festival of Lights Public Menorah Kindling Ceremony
Tuesday, December 20, 2011, 6:00PM
Corner of Main Street and Allen
Medford, NJ
For
information, contact Chabad of Medford at 609-953-3150
Immediately after the kindling, there will be a program featuring delicious latkes and donuts, chocolate Chanukah Gelt for the children, dreidels, a raffle and family fun.
Chanukah on Ice
December 25, 2011, 3-5 pm
Flyers Skate Zone
501 N. Albany Ave.
Atlantic City, NJ
609-822-8500
www.chabadac.com
A popular family event
open to everyone, will feature open ice skating, organized skating games for children and families, and a special guest appearance by the biblical heroes of Chanukah, "The Macabees." Participants will enjoy skating to the sounds of Chanukah music and indulge in the tastes of the holiday including potato latkes and jelly donuts, as well as hot dogs and soft drinks. The highlight of the event will be lighting of a giant menorah in the center of the rink.
