5:30 p.m. - Chanukkah Puppet Show with Rabbi Laurie
6:00 p.m. - Shabbat blessings and Chanukkah songs; dinner, live music, Chanukkah crafts and games
7:45 p.m. - Hot chocolate and Donuts by the Fire
At the First Unitarian Society, 900 University Bay Drive
Dinner in the Atrium Commons + Dessert on the Landmark Patio

Light up the darkness at Shaarei Shamayim’s all-ages Chanukkah party.

Chanukkah doesn’t begin until December 18, but we’re celebrating a little early this year. Toddlers and preschoolers are invited at 5:30 p.m. for a pre-party puppet show and a latke or two to hold them over until dinner. Everyone else will gather at 6:00 p.m. to welcome in Shabbat, sing Chanukkah songs, and learn a two-minute Talmudic candle-lighting debate.

Bring a vegetarian dish to share (think: entree, salad, or side dish for 10). We’ll provide the latkes, sufganiyot (Chanukkah donuts), and hot chocolate.

Listen to live music from our fabulous CSS Chanukkah band. Enjoy crafts for adults and children, competitive speed dreidel, pin the flame on the menorah, and a CSS Chanukkah favorite, fingernail painting.

Invite your friends, neighbors, colleagues, or anyone you’d like to share the holiday with.

We need your help - volunteer for set-up, clean-up, and more!

Regarding COVID, this event is mask optional. Feel free to join us inside or outside only. (If you only want to come while we're outside, join us at 7:45 p.m.) We will also have a Zoom candle lighting on a separate night.

Shaarei Shamayim is a sponsor of the Longest Night Homeless Memorial on December 21 at 3:00 p.m. Please bring warm hats, gloves, socks and long underwear (adult and children’s sizes) to donate to providers of homeless services. You can drop them off at the party.

And lastly, we’re having a great Judaica swap. Bring a menorah and take home a different menorah. Or leave your Judaica you no longer want for others to enjoy.

Questions? Email Lang at office@shamayim.org or call him at 608-257-2944.