Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights celebrated by lighting candles for eight nights, will begin at sundown on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020 to Friday, Dec. 18, 2020. Credit: Dave Hawks.

This year, Jews around the world will celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, from Dec. 10 to 18. While 2020’s celebrations are different from years past, Austin’s Jewish congregations and organizations have lots of fun planned for the community.

Dec. 2, 7 p.m.

Shalom Austin in partnership with Jewish Federations of North America

Back by popular demand, join James Beard Foundation award-winning chef Michael Solomonov for a virtual Hanukkah cooking demonstration. Registration includes four delicious recipes.

Cost: $18

Register: shalomaustin.org/cooking

For more information, contact Carly Karten at carly.karten@shalomaustin.org.

Dec. 4 (order deadline)

Congregation Agudas Achim: Mah Zeh Box: What’s Jewish About Light?

Subscribe to receive one box each month or just one month at a time. Each month, subscribers will receive a box of activities to continue Jewish learning at home with family. Activities explore the theme each month through craft projects, easy-to-understand ritual information, games, recipes and more. Geared towards young children, elementary school students, and their families. The December 2020 box with focus on STEM projects around light.

Cost:  $18/box

Subscribe: theaustinsynagogue.org/mah-zeh/

For more information, contact adra.lustig@caa-austin.org.

Dec. 4, 11:30 a.m.

Shalom Austin Adults 60+ Virtual Hanukkah Celebration

Join Rabbi Alan Freedman and Cantor Abby Gostein of Temple Beth Shalom for a Hanukkah celebration featuring blessings, songs, stories and togetherness. Join from the comfort and safety of home via Zoom or Facebook Live. This event is supported by Shalom Austin Women’s Philanthropy and made possible in part by Loewy Law Firm and your contributions to the Shalom Austin Annual Campaign.

Free to attend.

Event link: zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_e2_YxrNMRvSeEcovOLq0AA or facebook.com/JewishAustin/live/

For more information, contact Rachel Wimberley at rachel.wimberley@shalomaustin.org.

Dec. 6, 12-12:30 p.m.

Shalom Austin Women’s Philanthropy Jewish Family Service Wrap Project

Learn about Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service and the work JFS accomplishes in the community, and connect with fellow community members through Zoom breakout rooms.

Free to attend.

Register: shalomaustin.org/wpjfswrap

For more information, contact Arielle Levy at arielle.levy@shalomaustin.org.

Dec. 6 (order deadline)

Congregation Beth Israel Brotherhood – We Love You a Latke

Latke and brisket takeout Dec. 13 with online candle lighting. Latke and brisket order deadline is Dec. 6 or while supplies last. 

Cost: Varies – see website for more information.

Order: bethisrael.org/latkes2020

For more information, contact harold@bethisrael.org.

Dec. 7 or 14 (order deadline)

Congregation Agudas Achim Latke Orders

Now taking orders for Chef John’s famous latkes. Don’t miss out on the best part of the Hanukkah season.

Cost:  $18/dozen; $20/dozen (gluten free); $5/dozen for toppings 

Order: theaustinsynagogue.org/2020/11/10/latkes-are-here/

For more information, contact jennifer.rubin@caa-austin.org.

Dec. 8, 7-8:30 p.m.

NCJW Annual Hanukkah Party, Benefiting Undies for Everyone

National Council of Jewish Women’s virtual Hanukkah party will feature a presentation by Rabbi Amy Weiss, founder and executive director of Undies for Everyone. Will also include schmoozing and fun and games. Donations can be made at smile.amazon.com/hz/charitylist/ls/8YKS82HKUSP0/ref=smi_ext_lnk_lcl_cl.

Free to attend. 

Register: event.akubo.com/v2/main.php?id=AFlC or www.ncjwaustin.org

For more information, contact bettieforman@gmail.com.

Dec. 10, 6 p.m.

KULANU: A Community Candle Lighting and Concert, Shalom Austin and Austin congregations

Kick off the week of candle lighting by joining Austin’s Jewish community for virtual evening of prayer, Hanukkah songs and togetherness showcasing Austin’s synagogues.

Free to attend.

Register: shalomaustin.org/candlelighting

For more information, contact Alachua Nazarenko at alachua.nazarenko@shalomaustin.org.

Dec. 10-17, 6 p.m. (Dec. 11 will begin at 4:30 p.m.)

Community Virtual Candle Lighting, Shalom Austin in partnership with Austin congregations and Jewish institutions

Join Austin’s Jewish community every night of Hanukkah to light candles together, learn about the various organizations and populations that make up the Austin Jewish landscape and see a different segment of the community showcased each night. Bring a hanukkiah to light along with others. Generously supported by Mary and Burt Kunik and Family.

Free to attend.

Register: shalomaustin.org/candlelighting

For more information, contact Alachua Nazarenko at alachua.nazarenko@shalomaustin.org.

Dec. 10-17 

Congregation Tiferet Israel’s Chai Lights

On each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, CTI will “chai-light” a different congregant or family who will invite the community into their home, lead participants in lighting the menorah, share some words of Torah, or even a favorite song, Hanukkah tradition, recipe or game with everyone via Zoom.

Free to attend.

Register: tiferetaustin.org

For more information, contact admin@tiferetaustin.org.

Dec. 12, 6 p.m.

JCamps and YAD Drive-In Havdanukkah, Shalom Austin

This Havdalah and Hanukkah celebration is a chance for families and friends to gather in a safe and socially-distanced way to dance and sing at a camp-style song session and enjoy the holiday together.

Cost: Free to attend, minimum $18 suggested donation.

Register: shalomaustin.org/havdanukkah

For more information, contact Alachua Nazarenko at alachua.nazarenko@shalomaustin.org or Jessica Ochs at jessica.ochs@shalomaustin.org.

December 12, 7 p.m.

Congregation Kol Halev Virtual Hanukkah With Rabbi Lev and Sue Horowitz

Celebrate Hanukkah with song and a bit of teaching while exploring the festival of lights with its messages of religious freedom and equality for all. Hanukkah means rededication and is an opportunity for everyone to rededicate oneself to what is right and good in the world. 

Free to attend.

For more information, including Zoom link, contact kolhalevaustin@gmail.com.

Dec. 13, 6:30-7 p.m.

Congregation Shir Ami virtual Hanukkah

Drive through and pick up a free bag of Hanukkah goodies, crafts and games  in the afternoon at Shir Ami  and Zoom in the evening. 

Free to attend.

For more information, contact Linda Weiss at lweiss18@yahoo.com.

Dec. 13, 7 p.m.; Dec. 16, 7 p.m.

Hanukkah at the Goldsteins

A Zoom musical cabaret featuring parodies of the most popular songs of the winter holiday season 

Free to attend, donations encouraged.

Register: theaustinsynagogue.org/2020/11/11/hanukkah-at-the-goldsteins/

For more information, contact cameron.nudleman@caa-austin.org.