Cantor Deborah Katchko-Gray
Congregation Shir Shalom, formerly Temple Shearith Israel and Jewish Family Congregation, invites the community to celebrate Hanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights.
Hanukah, which commemorates the victory of the Maccabees, and the miracle of the Temple oil lasting for eight days, begins at sundown Sunday, Dec. 6. Candles on a menorah are lit for eight consecutive nights. Families traditionally celebrate with holiday treats, giving gifts and playing the dreidel game.
Congregation Shir Shalom will have a special Ruach Shabbat service on Friday, Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m., featuring Hanukah songs with choirs and musicians. Cantor Deborah Katchko-Gray will be joined by Adrianne Greenbaum on flute and Jason Bangser on guitar.
The celebration will begin at 5:30 that evening with the youngest members of the congregation at Tot Shabbat, featuring songs and the telling of the Hanukah story with Rabbi David Reiner and Cantor Debbie. A traditional Shabbat dinner and Hanukah celebration will follow, from 6 to 7:30. Families are invited to bring their menorahs to light alongside one another. (The dinner’s cost is $10 per adult; kids 13 and under are admitted free.)
Other celebrations include the Sisterhood Hanukah dinner at Restaurant 121 on Dec. 14, and Hanukah songs at Maplewood in Newtown on Monday, Dec. 7, from 4 to 4:30.
For more information about Hanukah, any of the events, or Congregation Shir Shalom, call 203-438-6589.
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