Hanukkah (or Chanukah) is the Jewish Festival of lights that lasts for eight days every December.
The story of Hanukkah originated over 21 centuries ago, when the Seleucids, ancient Greeks who wanted to take over the Holy Land, were driven out and defeated by a small band of faithful Jews. This Jewish group reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and rededicated it to their God.
The word “Hanukkah” translates to “dedication,” and refers to the rededication of the Temple.
The eight days of Hanukkah come from the story that although the Jews only had enough oil to light the Temple’s menorah for one day, it somehow burned for eight days instead, marking the miracle of Hanukkah.
This year, Hanukah begins the evening of Sunday, December 6, and ends the evening of Monday, December 14. Check out Hanukkah events going on in and around New Orleans in the coming week:
December 3:
- Latkes With a Twist @ Bellocq
December 5:
- Chanukah Seder @ Northshore Jewish Congregation Mandeville
December 6:
- Hanukkah at the Riverwalk @ Spanish Plaza
- Moishe House Latke Cook-Off @ 1824 Dauphine St. Apt. A
December 7:
- Menorah Workshop @ Home Depot in Elmwood
December 8:
- Chanukah Party for Israelis and Hebrew Speakes @ Chabad in Metairie
December 9:
- Celebrity Chef Latke Cookoff for Young Jewish Professionals @ Chabad Uptown
December 10:
- Light It Up: JNOLA’s Chanukah Celebration @ Purloo
- Jewish Community Day School’s Chanukah program
December 11:
- Shabbat dinner @ Chabad Metairie
- Chanukah dinner @ Gates of Prayer in Metairie
- Chanukah dinner singalong and storytelling, dreidel tournament, and Shabat services @ Touro Synagogue
December 12:
- Chanukah party @ Beth Israel in Metairie
- Chabad’s Mobile Menorah car parade @ Chabad Uptown
December 13:
- Community Chanukah Concert @ New Orleans JCC
