Chanukah always falls on the 25th of Kislev, but that happens early in December this year. Orange County congregations have a lot in store for people, from the traditional to the zany. Check out the ADL brunch before Chanukah and the NextGen/JCC Cares event afterwards too.
Making a Difference
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) of Orange County/Long Beach will hold its annual “Make a Difference” brunch on Sunday, December 2, at 10:30 am at the Fashion Island Hotel in Newport Beach., Honorees are Craig and Brigitte Frankel and Jack Pariser. Keynote speakers Gideon Bernstein and Jeanne Pepper will address the topic, “From a Moment of Hate to a Movement of Hope,” about the “Blaze It Forward” movement that sprung up after their son’s tragic death. Individual tickets are $150, and sponsorship opportunities are available. For details, contact Dana Ransons at ADL at dransons@adl.org or (949) 679-3737.
Chanukah at the Circle
Temple Beth Sholom invites congregants and friends to come for one night or all eight to the Chanukiah in the Orange Circle. Every night at 6 pm from Sunday, December 2, to Sunday, December 9, Rabbi Heidi Cohen, Cantor David Reinwald and members of the congregation will light the candles and sing Chanukah songs. For more information, visit www.tbsoc.com.
Starlight Spectacular
Chabad of Tustin will participate in the community menorah lighting, “Chanukah Starlight Spectacular,” at Tustin City Hall, on Sunday December 2, at 5 pm. There will be music, latkes, donuts, hot coffee, balloon twisting and games. For more information, contact www.jewishtustin.com or call (714) 508-2150.
Snap. Crackle and …
Chabad of Irvine has developed the first-ever Rice Krispies Treats menorah. It is set to be unveiled on Sunday, December 2, at 3 pm, at the District Shopping Center in Tustin (in front of the theaters). There will be music, gelt, dreidels, latkes, donuts and Rice Krispies Treats. For more details, contact www.chabadirvine.org.
Light ‘em Up
On Sunday, December 2, at 5 pm, Chabad Jewish Center of Mission Viejo will gather at the 4 corners in Mission Viejo to light a giant menorah with local officials and great community spirit. For details, contact www.chabadofmv.com.
Menorah by the Lake
On Monday, December 3 , at 6pm, Rabbi Zalman and Rochel Kantor and Chabad Jewish Center of Rancho Santa Margarita will be having an annual Chanukah celebration. It will take place near the lake at the Mercado del Lago shopping center with a live jazz band. For details, contact www.jewishrsm.com.
Cotton Candy Menorah
Chabad of Irvine has teamed up with Pretend City to present a cotton candy menorah lighting. The event will happen at Pretend City on Tuesday, December 4, at 3 pm. Cost is $1 per person. RSVP at www.pretendcity.org/menorahlighting.
Ladies’ and Girls’ Chanukah Party
The Jewish Women’s Circle of Chabad of Tustin will hold a Chanukah Party for ladies and girls on Wednesday, December 5, at 6:30 pm at the home of Gabriella Chovav in Cowan Heights. The evening will off salads, fish, latkes, doughnuts and jewelry making. Participants are asked to bring their own menorah to light together. Couvert is $10. RSVP on line at www.chabadtustin.com.
Ducks and Menorahs
The Anaheim Ducks will host a Jewish Heritage night on December 5, the 4th night of Chanukah. Chabad Jewish Center of Mission Viejo has arranged special pricing for group tickets. There will be a pregame Chanukah celebration at 6 pm with the Menorah lighting at 6:30 pm, and the game starts at 7:30 pm. There are limited seats at this price and in this section. They will be sold on a first come first served basis. Tickets are $34. Register at www.chabadofmv.com.
Communal Chanukah
Chabad of Irvine will host a communal Chanukah dinner on Friday, December 7, following services at 6 pm. A full Shabbat dinner, including latkes, will be served. RSVP at www.chabadirvine.org/chanukahdinner.
Something for Everybody
Temple Beth Sholom will hold a Chanukah Shabbat Service and Extravaganza on Friday, December 7, at 6 pm. Family-friendly services will be followed by a Chanukah dinner and party. There will be dancing along with a DJ, latkes and sufganiyot. A family-friendly movie, “Eight Crazy Nights”, will be shown. TBS Jewlennials invites all young adults to a magic show at 8 pm. Ticket fees are: adults – $12; children 7-12 – $10; children under 6 – $5; and non-members – $15.
Latkes in Ladera Ranch
On Sunday, December 9, at 4:30 pm, Chabad Jewish Center Mission Viejo will be gathering in Ladera Ranch at the Town Green for a fun and delightful Chanukah celebration. There will be food and games, and of course, a menorah lighting. For details, contact www.chabadofmv.com.
Giant Donut Menorah
Chabad or Irvine is hosting the Giant Donut Menorah lighting and celebration on Sunday, December 9, at 3 pm, at the Irvine Spectrum (Edwards Court). There will be music, gelt, dreidels and donuts. For more details, contact www.chabadirvine.org.
University Synagogue will present a Chanukah season concert featuring “Mostly Kosher” on Sunday, December 16 at 4:30 pm. The gypsy-rock group led by Leeav Sofer will perform in a lively and joyous concert for all ages. It is free to University Synagogue members and offered at $18 to guests. Reservations are a must. They can be made by calling Devon at (949) 553-3535 or visiting www.universitysynagogue.org.
Day of Service
Join NextGen and JCC Cares on Tuesday, December 25, at 8:30 am for a morning of giving back at the Lighthouse Church in Costa Mesa. Participants will be cooking and serving breakfast for the homeless, as well as baking cookies for local firefighters, serving breakfast to veterans and visiting senior citizens. RSVP at www.jccoc.org.
Happy Chanukah, Orange County!