Oh Hanukkah, oh Hanukkah, come light the menorah! The festival of lights lasts for 8 wonderful nights from December 6th-14th. This year’s celebration is sure to be filled with music and candles, latkes and jelly donuts, gifts and dreidels, history and love. Here are four places to celebrate Hanukkah in Des Moines.
Erev Shabbat
Temple B’Nai Jeshurun • 5101 Grand Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50312 • (515) 274-4679 • http://www.templebnaijeshurun.org/
The Temple B’Nai Jeshurun is hosting two special Erev Shabbat events, featuring music of the season. You’ll hear some old sing-along favorites, and new, inspiring songs that will remind you of the ancient miracle being commemorated.
When: Friday, December 4th and Friday, December 11th at 6:00 pm.
Menorah Lighting
Maccabee’s Kosher Deli • 1150 Polk Boulevard • Des Moines, IA 50311 • (515) 277-1718 • http://www.jewishiowa.com/
Lubavitch of Iowa will celebrate the Hanukkah season by lighting a 20 foot menorah every evening at sundown at Maccabee’s Kosher Deli. Hot latkes or doughnuts will be served and there will be live music. Governor Brandstad will be lighting the Menorah on Monday, December 7th.
When: Sunday, December 6th – Thursday, December 10th and Sunday, December 13th at 5:00 pm; Friday, December 11th at 2:30 pm and Saturday, December 12th at 7:00 pm.
Chanukah on Ice
Brenton Skating Plaza • 520 Robert D. Ray Drive • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 277-1718 • http://www.jewishiowa.com/
Celebrate with an exciting evening of skating and fun at Brenton Skating Plaza. This event is hosted by Lubavitch of Iowa. There will be a Menorah ice carving, lively Jewish music, hot latkes and yummy doughnuts. Fun for the whole family.
When: Wednesday, December 9th at 5:30 to 7:30 pm.
Latkes & Country
Beth El Jacob Synagogue • 954 Cummins Parkway • Des Moines, IA 50312 • (515) 274-1551
Enjoy some Chanukah fun with Latkes & Country at Beth El Jacob Synagogue. There will be country music, latkes, chili dinner and more. $8.00/adults and $5.00/kids.
When: Sunday, December 13th at 5:30 pm
Are you celebrating the festival of lights this year? Where? How? Let us know your family Hanukkah celebrations and traditions!
