Among our favorite traditions at the JCA is sharing our Chanukkah celebrations with the entire community. The Maccabees thought there was only enough oil to light the menorah for one night, but it lasted for eight nights. This year the first candle is lit on December 25 and we have an entire lineup of events planned for all ages!
Chanukkah traditions and learning begin on Tue, Nov 12 at 10 am as Author Barbara Kimmel, joins us at the JCA with her book Hanukkah Hippity Hop to share traditions with the youngest members of our community. Part of the Jacksonville Jewish Cultural Arts Festival, Barbara’s book offers toddlers an active approach to the festival of lights using rhymes and movement to share the joys of the season. Click here to register to join us and meet Barbara Kimmel.
On Wed, Nov 20 your family is invited to join us at the JCA to paint your own menorah. Then, when your menorot (the plural of menorah) is complete, you get to take them home to use for the Chanukkah season. Please follow this link to register in advance so we know how many menorot will be painted.
Our celebration of the festival of lights continues at 7 pm on Sat, Dec 14 with Jewish Heritage Night during the Jacksonville Icemen game. Come cheer on the Icemen as they play the Florida Everglades – there may even be a Chanukkah song or two to sing along to. If you have questions about Jewish Heritage Night, please email our J Experience Coordinator, Faye Hedrick and please stay tuned for more details and ticket information.
For those creative folks in our community and a yearly JCA staff favorite – make a homemade menorah this year and enter your unique creations in our 5th Annual Menorah Making contest Members and guests are invited to use any materials you would like to create a menorah but there are no premade kits or food allowed. Your menorah must have eight candles in a straight line and ninth, a shamash candle, that is higher or lower than the other candles. Menorot should be brought to the front desk at the JCA between Dec 16-19, then will be put on display for a community-wide vote from Dec 20-Jan 3. I cannot wait to see what you create!
Mark your calendars now and secure your tickets at the JCA front desk – you do not want to miss the annual Chanukkah Extravaganza at the JCA, Thu, Dec 26 starting at 5:45 pm! Your friends and family are invited to join in song and prayer as our Board Chair Nicole Brown greets us for the season and CEO Adam Chaskin lights our giant outside chanukkiah on the second night of Channukah. Inside the JCA we will have our world-famous hot dogs, latkes, goodies, and plenty of fun activities throughout the JCA for all ages. Tickets are free to the community, but space is limited – I hope to see you there.
Please do not hesitate to email me if you have any questions about our Chanukkah-related events this year, rachel.sandler@jcajax.org.
