Looking for some fun, family-friendly events to celebrate the Festival of Lights? The Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore has got you covered.
For the celebration of Chanukah — which this year will be observed from Sunday evening, Dec. 14, to Monday night, Dec. 22 — the JCC will offer an array of dazzling events and happenings.
“In this time of continued diversity and unrest, we invite everyone to come together to inspire hope and remind all of warm holiday traditions,” the center said in a statement.
The pinnacle of the JCC’s Chanukah programming this year will be held on Thursday, Dec. 18, from 5-7 p.m. at the Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC, 3506 Gwynnbrook Avenue.
On the fifth night of the holiday, the JCC will host “Legos, Latkes and Lights,” at which the center plans to build the world’s tallest LEGO brick menorah. (According to the “Guinness Book of World Records,” the tallest LEGO brick menorah was built in Tel Aviv in 2022, standing 14.9 feet tall and requiring 134,908 LEGO bricks and 1,910 LEGO plates.)
“Bring your appetite and STEM skills for a fun-filled community experience,” the JCC stated. “Includes a latke dinner and take-home mini-Lego menorah. Thanks to Phyllis and Leonard Attman & Family for their sponsorship.”
For information, visit Legos, Latkes and Lights – Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore.
Additional JCC Chanukah events include:
Festival of Lights! Dance Party
Saturday, Dec. 20, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC
3506 Gwynnbrook Avenue
Join the JCC for some holiday-themed fitness fun — Zumba, LaBlast and line dancing, followed by open dancing with a DJ, a photobooth, glow accessories, refreshment and more.
Chanukah Wonderland
Sunday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cheder Chabad Park Heights
5713 Park Heights Avenue
In partnership with Chabad of Park Heights, the JCC invites the community to enjoy a day of inflatables, Chanukah crafts, cookie decorating, games and olive press demonstrations.
Teen Service Pop-Up: Chanukah Community Service
Sunday, Dec. 21
Around the community
Teenagers will come together for a day of holiday-themed community service.
“In addition to our events, we will have a holiday-themed display at our JCC locations with activities, recipes, decorations and information to help share in the Chanukah spirit,” stated the center. “The JCC is also looking forward to welcoming other local community organizations who will help to light the candles nightly at our Owings Mills location.”
For information, visit jcc.org/calendar.
A committed philanthropist and community leader, Russel was president of R&H Motors.
The mother of four was a native of Winchester, Virginia, who spent most of her life in Northwest Baltimore.
The Columbia resident worked on the Gemini and Apollo space missions.
A St. Louis native, Edelman served as ambassador to the central African nation from 1987 to 1989.