With Thanksgiving seemingly in the distant past, it’s time to prepare for the next holiday of the season, which actually begins this coming weekend.
Hanukkah this year begins at sunset on Sunday evening and ends the following Monday, Dec. 14.
Events throughout Arlington are happening during the eight-day holiday — also known as the Festival of Lights — for the county’s Jewish community. Here are a few of them.
Dec. 6: Yes, Virginia… there is Chanukah!
Temple Rodef Shalom is hosting a community singalong and dinner on the first day of the holiday. The event will feature the teen, youth and children’s choirs in a festive singalong in Quincy Park at 1201 N. Quincy Street. Dinner will be served from local food trucks. Preregistration is strongly encouraged for guests who plan on eating.
The singalong begins at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available online and are $20 for adults, $12 for NOVA Tribe members, $12 for children ages 6-14 and $5 for children ages 5 and under. There is no admission charge for temple youth choir members. The event is open to temple members and non-members alike.
Dec. 8: Chanukah On Ice
Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington is inviting the community to skate and participate in a menorah lighting ceremony next Tuesday at the Pentagon Row outdoor ice skating plaza at 1201 S. Joyce Street. There will be skating from 6-8:30 p.m. with a lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. Dinner of hot latkes, kosher hot dogs and refreshments will also be available.
Admission for all guests is $10 in advance and $13 at the door. These prices include skate rentals, but food will be sold separately. Tickets are available online.
Dec. 9: Clarendon Menorah Lighting and Community Celebration
Community members will gather next Wednesday to light a six-foot-tall menorah in Clarendon central park at 3140 Wilson Blvd, near the Clarendon Metro Station entrance. This celebration is also hosted by Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington and will have food, including hot potato latkes, gelt — or chocolate coins — and dreidels for all guests. The lighting ceremony is free and open to the public.
Know of any other Hanukkah events happening in the next few weeks? Please let us know in the comments.