Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, falls at the time of year when the days are shortest in the northern hemisphere. It celebrates resilience and strength, and reminds us that even in the darkest time of year, there is light and an opportunity to celebrate.
This Hanukkah, choose from an abundance of classes and special community events, and bring more light to your holiday! Whether you want to pack in eight full days of learning, join for a 5-minute candle-lighting, or attend a musical extravaganza, you will find it here. Check out the wide array of unique events from My Jewish Learning and our partners!
My Jewish Learning Events
The Hanukkah Story You Never Heard
Tuesday, December 13 at 1:00 pm ET
Many people know that Hanukkah is a minor holiday. The books of the Maccabees, which detail the Jewish victories over the Syrian Greeks that allowed Jews to preserve their autonomy and culture, were never included in the Hebrew Bible. Ironically, we only have them in Greek. But did you know that the rabbis weren’t even sure that Hanukkah was about the Maccabees at all? And if Hanukkah isn’t about the Maccabees, what is it about? Join Rachel Scheinerman and My Jewish Learning to find out!
Hanukkah Fashion Then and Now
Wednesday, December 14, 8:00 pm ET
Join Kveller and Rabbi Yael Buechler, a Hanukkah merchandise expert and fashion designer for a look into the history of Hanukkah apparel. Explore how Hanukkah fashions have transformed over the years, from niche designers to mainstream retailers.
How to Light Hanukkah Candles: An Ancient Debate
Thursday, December 15 at 1:00 pm ET
Join My Jewish Learning and Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz to learn how to light the Hanukkah candles and the history of how this ritual came to be. Dive into the Talmudic debate between Rabbi Hillel and Rabbi Shammai and discover a new appreciation for lighting the Hanukkah candles.
Hanukkah Joy Through Dance
Monday, December 19 at 1:00 pm ET
Join dance instructor Ruth Goodman for this interactive dance class that will help you get in the Hanukkah groove. Learn about Israeli folk dance, as well as the dances themselves, in this winter event from My Jewish Learning guaranteed to move you.
Hanukkah Piyutim Workshop
Tuesday, December 20 at 8:00 pm ET
Come learn traditional Moroccan Piyutim (liturgical poems) for Hanukkah. In this workshop, Laura Elkeslassy will teach ‘Am Neemanai, a Moroccan piyut written by Rabbi David Buzaglo, as well as a traditional piyut retelling the story of Mattathias. Join My Jewish Learning and Elkeslassy for this dive into Maghrebi poetry and song.
Group Torah Study: Hanukkah Edition with Aryeh Bernstein
Join My Jewish Learning for a Hanukkah-themed Torah Study. These sessions are interactive and participatory, with rotating facilitators.
