Adam Sandler famously called the holiday of Chanukah “eight crazy nights!” In that vein, we would like to humbly recommend eight wonderful (and potentially crazy) upcoming local events — among many others — to celebrate the Festival of Lights, which this year will be observed from Dec. 18-26.
Enjoy and Chanukah Sameach!
Friday, Dec. 16
10 a.m.
Rosenbloom Owings Mills Jewish Community Center
3506 Gwynnbrook Ave.
The JCC’s Early Childhood Center will present “Chanukah Fun for Your Little One,” featuring holiday songs, art and other activities for children ages 1-3 years old. For information, visit jcc.org/event/chanukah-fun-your-little-one-1.
Sunday, Dec. 18
4:30-7 p.m.
Max’s Taphouse
733 S. Broadway, Fells Point
East Baltimore’s historic B’nai Israel Synagogue, its BIYA and BAYITT groups, and the Federal Hill Moishe House Pod will team up to celebrate the Festival of Lights at Max’s Taphouse, which was recently named the nation’s best beer bar by USA Today. Admission includes two drink tickets and lots of fried food. For information, visit jewishdowntown.org/event/chanukah2022 or email ravtyler@bethambaltimore.org.
5 p.m.
MMAE Synagogue
7000 Rockland Hills Dr., Pikesville
Join Rabbi Yerachmiel Shapiro and the friendly folks at MMAE for a Chanukah indoor picnic, featuring a giant menorah lighting, free food, a raffle, games for the kids, a menorah art contest and a concert by Lev Soul. This free event is open to the entire community, but RSVP no later than Dec. 12. (Also, MMAE will present a giant menorah-lighting ceremony on Wednesday evening, Dec. 21, in its parking lot that will feature a parade passing by, and on Sunday, Dec. 25, members of a Jewish Masonic lodge will light the chanukiah at MMAE for the final night of the holiday.) For information, call 410-653-7485 or visit facebook.com/mmaebmore.
5 p.m.
Gordon Outdoors/Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC
3506 Gwynnbrook Ave.
The JCC of Greater Baltimore will kick off the holiday with “Illumination Celebration: Firelight.” This free event will feature a candle-lighting program, music from local youth acapella group HaZamir, and an incredible show of dazzling lights and brilliant stunts. Presented by J Life. For information, visit jcc.org/gordon-center/event/illumination-celebration-firelight.
5:30-7 p.m.
The Avenue at White Marsh
8125 Honeygo Blvd.
Chabad of White Marsh will host its second annual Menorah Lighting program on the Avenue. The celebration will include donuts, menorahs, latkes, ice skating, a gelt drop and more. For information, visit jewishwhitemarsh.org.
Monday, Dec. 19
4:30-7 p.m.
Beth El Congregation
8100 Park Heights Ave., Pikesville
Join Beth El Congregation and Chizuk Amuno Congregation & Schools for their annual “Hanukkah Lights Up The Sky” event. This outdoors event — co-sponsored by Jmore — will include food served indoors and seating available outdoors. This event will include entertainment by the a cappella vocal band Six13, a dairy dinner of latkes and sufganiyot, activities for children, and fireworks to end the evening. For information, visit chizukamuno.org/event/hanukkah-lights-up-the-sky.html.
6:30-8:30 p.m.
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
1000 Hilltop Cir., Catonsville
The Center for Well-Being, Room 103
UMBC students, alumni, family, friends, and faculty and staff are invited to join the UMBC Hillel at its Chanukah celebration. Come schmooze with the community over holiday noshes and mocktails, and feel free to bring your menorah to light. For information, visit form.jotform.com/223204286087152 or contact Rabbi Jeremy Feinstein at jif@umbc.edu.
Tuesday, Dec. 20
6 p.m.
Union Craft Brewing
1700 41st St., Unit 420
Join the Repair the World Baltimore team, Reservoir Hill’s Beth Am Synagogue and the Moishe House Baltimore for the eighth annual “Hanukkah BrewHaHa!” Participants will celebrate the third night of the holiday with latkes, ice cream, Union Craft Brewing beer, raffle prizes and a live DJ. For information, visit tfaforms.com/4765820?id=7013s000000e3fQAAQ.
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