The first night of Chanukah 2024 is Wednesday, December 25th , and the eighth night is Wednesday, January 1st.
NSCI is here to be your resource to help prepare you for a meaningful Chanukah experience. Elevate your holiday with our events and resources below!
Take pictures or videos of your Chanukah celebration, whether that’s your family lighting your chanukiyah, enjoying latkes or sufganiyot (donuts), or playing spin the dreidel. Share on social media using #NSCILights and tag us at @we.are.nsci!
EVENTS
The "Imagine Englewood If" Coat Drive has now concluded. Thank you for all of your support and generous donations!
"Imagine Englewood If" Peace Pantry provides year-round support to over 300 Greater Englewood residents and unhoused individuals each month, offering food, clothing, hygiene kits, household items, and baby essentials.
As the seasons change, we are preparing to provide essential winter items to those in need. We are currently seeking donations of hats, gloves, socks, scarves, and hand and feet warmers to include in our seasonal winter kits. These kits are designed to help keep individuals and families warm throughout the colder months. Click here to learn more about "Imagine Englewood If.”
Tot Chanukah Bubble Show and Celebration
Sunday, December 8th, 4:00–5:30 pm in Frank Memorial Hall
Bubbles, candles, songs, and treats! Come kick off Chanukah with a fun and festive celebration!
Senior Connections: The Chicago Klezmer Trio
Wednesday, December 11th, 12:30–2:30 pm in Rebecca K. Crown Social Hall
The Chicago Klezmer Trio will be performing for Senior Connections during a wonderful afternoon of music, Chanukah food, and friends! They will provide lively entertainment while we gather and enjoy each other’s company.
A Celebration of Hanukkah: WTTW Special Showing with Geoffrey
Baer
Sunday, December 15th, 10:00–11:00 am in Perlman Sanctuary
Meet Geoffrey Baer, host of the new WTTW Chanukah special, parts of which were filmed at NSCI! Watch clips from the special and learn about its making.
Sunday, December 15th, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm at NSCI
Join us for a festive celebration with music, dancing, and DJ Lou! Enjoy sufganiyot, candle lighting, Jewish story trivia, and more. Get ready to party!
Sunday, December 15th, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm in the Tross Family Education Center
Join us for a fun-filled Chanukah Party! We will play Gaga, bake and decorate Chanukah cookies, and play Dreidel, all while jamming to some awesome holiday tunes! We will wrap up at noon, in plenty of time to enjoy the rest of Chanukah Fest!
Chanukah Candle Making with WNSCI
Tuesday, December 17th, 6:30–8:00 pm in Rebecca K. Crown Social Hall
Brighten up your Tuesday night just in time for Chanukah celebrations. Each person will create and take home eight candles! Ages 13+ are welcome and we encourage you to bring guests! This program is $18 per person and dessert will be served.
Shabbat Chanukah
Friday, December 27th, 6:15 pm in Perlman Sanctuary
Join us for Shabbat Chanukah. Bring your own chanukiyah to fill our sanctuary with light. Instead of a sermon, the service will feature our annual "Ask the Clergy" conversation. Festive Oneg to follow.
Chanukah resources
If you are in need of a Chanukah themed playlist, packed with spirited songs about lights and latkes to share, check out the playlist below on Spotify, free to listen
Please click on resource links below to help you celebrate Chanukah and learn about the rich history and traditions of this holiday.
- Betty Greene's Latke Recipe (Rabbi Greene's mother)
- Food Network's 2024 16 Best Latke Recipes
- Chanukah Blessings (written)
- Chanukah Blessings (video)
- Eight Nights of Chanukah Giving (Tikkun Olam opportunities)
- What is Chanukah? With Bim Bam
- Chanukah Customs & Rituals
- Chanukah Recipes
- Chanukah Story
- Dreidel Game Instructions
- Virtual Dreidel Game
- Chanukah Lights (NPR) - Generation-spanning Chanukah short fiction read aloud
For Kids: Check out these amazing resources and make sure to follow the NSCI Tots Instagram page if you have young children.
- PJ Library Chanukah Resources
- Chanukah Blessings (video) with Shaboom!
- The Chanukah Shaboom! Special with Bim Bam
- Kid-Friendly Chanukah Story
- Chanukah Hokey Pokey Song
- Dreidel Song with Bim Bam
- Chanukah Songs for Children with The Kiboomers Kids Music Channel
- Family Crafts, Recipes, The Basics, and more with 18 Doors
- Family Activities
- Jewish Book Council
- Childrens Chanukah Audio Books
- Chanukah Videos
