Community Corner

Hanukkah 2012 in Swampscott

Celebrate the Festival of Lights in Swampscott.

 

This year, Hanukkah begins on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 8, and ends a week later on Sunday, Dec. 16.

According to Chabad.org, Hanukkah starts on the Hebrew calendar date of 25 Kislev and lasts for eight days. For those of us who aren't attuned to the Jewish calendar, that translates to sundown on Saturday, Dec. 8. 

Find out what's happening in Swampscottwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Chabad of the North Shore, at 44 Burrill St., will host a family-fun 5k Run-A-Latke and a Chanukah party on Sunday, Dec. 9, at 10 a.m.

Find out what's happening in Swampscottwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Kids can help build a Lego Menorah inside the community shul. Enjoy latkes after the 5k.

Later Sunday, teens from throughout the North Shore are invited to attend the Jew Crew Hanukkah Party at 58 Burrill St. in Swampscott. RSVP at Chabad of the North Shore facebook.

On Sunday, Dec. 9, the JCC of the North Shore will celebrate Hanukkah and Temple Day at 4 Community Road, in Marblehead — 781-631-8330, for more information.

On Wednesday, celebrate Jewish Heritage Night with the Boston Celtics at the Fleet Center. For more information call 781-581-3833 and select a prompt that will connect you with Rabbi Yossi or Rabbi Shmaya.

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the story of the Maccabean Revolt against Syrian rulers in present day Israel 2,300 years ago. The Maccabees wanted to rededicate Jerusalem's main temple but had only enough oil to kindle the Eternal Light for one day. The oil lasted for eight days, according to the story, and the holiday of Hanukkah was born.

Today, Jews generally celebrate by gathering together with family, lighting one candle on the menorah each of the eight nights, playing dreidel and eating special holiday foods such as potato latkes and babka.

TELL US: If you observe Hanukkah, what are your plans?


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here