Chanukah 5785

Chanukah, which begins this year the night of December 24, is the most "reconstructed" of holidays, a celebration that has evolved over the millennia. With roots in ancient solstice light festivals, Chanukah became a commemoration of the Maccabees' military victory and re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem under the Hellenistic empire, then a spiritual opportunity to "publicize the miracle" of that re-dedication through the lighting of the chanukiyah (Chanukah menorah) in rabbinic times, and most recently a family-centered, gift-giving holiday in contemporary America. Because the holiday falls over the winter vacation this year, we will have a "pre-Chanukah" communal celebration, and will not be doing "CDT Lights" this year. Happy Chanukah!

Chanukah blessings & Reconstructionist Ma'oz Tzur (text & audio)

All-Ages Pre-Chanukah Party

Sunday, December 15, 4:30-7:00 pm
FUUSN (1326 Washington St, West Newton): Enter through the door off of the small parking lot on Highland Street, near the Christmas tree sale! Feel free to park in the Second Church lot and walk down the block, or there is street parking available.

Chanukah flyer for sharing!

Join us for this intergenerational night of celebration! We will gather at 4:30 pm with Chanukah songs (without candlelighting), followed at 5 pm by a variety of activities for all ages, including:  

• Yiddish dancing 
• Chanukah arts & crafts (make your own chanukiyah and Chanukah cards)
• Text study for teens and adults 
• Dreidl extravaganza 
• Cooking (learn some new Chanukah recipes!)
• And more!

Activities will be followed by the Latke Dinner at 6:00 pm! Latkes are provided by an incredible team of CDT cooks; please bring a vegetarian side dish or salad as a potluck contribution to share to accompany the latkes – green salad, pasta, veggie, quinoa, tuna or egg salad, etc. (no nuts). Drinks and desserts will be provided.

Fair trade chocolate Chanukah gelt and Sindyanna olive oil will be available for sale from our Religious School's Kitah Hey (via check, cash, or Venmo).