Keep busy throughout the Festival of Lights with these great online Chanukah events
Night 1 // THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER
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FAMILY: Chanukah Spark Nights
No pandemic is going to stop JW3 from bringing the community together to celebrate Chanukah. Join them nightly to light candles and sing familiar Chanukah songs. Each evening is hosted by West End musical star Tracy Kashi, with music, a daily competition to win gourmet doughnuts, and special guests, including Sam Eastmond, Ana Silvera, Ben Caplan, Ian Shaw and Alicia Jo Rabins. Streaming live from the JW3 Facebook page each night.
6.30-7pm. FREE. ONLINE. www.jw3.org.uk/whats-on/chanukah-spark-nights
FAMILY: South London Unite by the Light Chanukah Event
Virtually join together with Jews across the south of the Thames to light the first Chanukah candle together. Also featuring a message from Chief Rabbi Mirvis, a performance by illusionist Ilan Smith and a raffle.
7pm. FREE. ONLINE. www.eventbrite.co.uk
MUSIC: SHINING A LIGHT
A Chanukah event with Israel’s 2009 Eurovision contestants Mira Awad and Achinoam Nini. The pair will perform and discuss the future of peace and equality in Israel.
9am (GMT). $18 suggested donation. ONLINE. www.nif.org.au/events_and_more
TALKS: Around the World in Eight Nights
Edgware & Hendon Reform Synagogue (EHRS) will be joined by rabbis and educators from different parts of the world each night this Chanukah. Featuring Rabbi Michel Schlesinger and Congregacao Israelia Paulista in Sao Paulo.
6pm. FREE. ONLINE. www.ehrs.uk/chanukah
WORKSHOPS: CHANUKAH WHISKY TASTING
A chance for the residents of Leeds to kick off the first night of Chanukah with a five-sample whisky tasting, plus salt beef and latkes. This is a virtual tasting: whiskies and dinner packs will be available for collection from Chabad Lubavitch Leeds or delivered if you’re self-isolating.
8.15pm. £30. ONLINE. www.judaismlive.com/whisky
WORKSHOPS: Healthier Chanukah Treats
Central Synagogue London presents a charity cooking class with renowned Jewish chef Denise Phillips. It’ll be held via Zoom, beamed live from Denise’s home kitchen, where she’ll be sharing her recipes for some healthy Chanukah treats. Learn how to make za’atar spiced carrot latkes and grated pear, apple and olive oil cake. The ingredients list will be provided beforehand so you can cook along with Denise, or watch live and try later. Contact administrator@centralsynagogue.org.uk for info and to register.
8pm. Contact for prices. ONLINE. https://jewishcookery.com
Night 2 // Friday 11 DECEMBER
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FAMILY: Chanukah Spark Nights
No pandemic is going to stop JW3 from bringing the community together to celebrate Chanukah. Join them nightly to light candles and sing familiar Chanukah songs. Each evening is hosted by West End musical star Tracy Kashi, with music, a daily competition to win gourmet doughnuts, and special guests, including Sam Eastmond, Ana Silvera, Ben Caplan, Ian Shaw and Alicia Jo Rabins. Streaming live from the JW3 Facebook page each night.
6.30-7pm. FREE. ONLINE. www.jw3.org.uk/whats-on/chanukah-spark-nights
TALKS: Around the World in Eight Nights
Edgware & Hendon Reform Synagogue (EHRS) will be joined by rabbis and educators from different parts of the world each night this Chanukah. Featuring Rabbi Julia Grishenko and the Shirat Hayam Community of Odessa.
6.15pm. FREE. ONLINE. www.ehrs.uk/chanukah
WORKSHOPS: Online cooking class – Baked Carrot Latkes
Renowned Jewish chef Denise Phillips takes to the web to teach budding chefs a few tips. Classes are held via Zoom every Friday at 10am (for adults) and Tuesdays at 11am (for children). This Friday she’ll be teaching participants how to make baked carrot latkes. Visit her website to find out how to take part or to get the recipe to use later.
10am. FREE. ONLINE. https://jewishcookery.com
Night 3 // SATURDAY 12 DECEMBER
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FAMILY: Chanukah Spark Nights
No pandemic is going to stop JW3 from bringing the community together to celebrate Chanukah. Join them nightly to light candles and sing familiar Chanukah songs. Each evening is hosted by West End musical star Tracy Kashi, with music, a daily competition to win gourmet doughnuts, and special guests, including Sam Eastmond, Ana Silvera, Ben Caplan, Ian Shaw and Alicia Jo Rabins. Streaming live from the JW3 Facebook page each night.
6.30-7pm. FREE. ONLINE. www.jw3.org.uk/whats-on/chanukah-spark-nights
TALKS: Around the World in Eight Nights
Edgware & Hendon Reform Synagogue (EHRS) will be joined by rabbis and educators from different parts of the world each night this Chanukah. Featuring Havdala & Chanukah Lighting Extravaganza at EHRS.
5pm. FREE. ONLINE. www.ehrs.uk/chanukah
THEATRE: HOMOS AND HOUMOUS CHANUKAH
The Royal Vauxhall Tavern’s resident Queer Jewish cabaret night was supposed to head out on a tour of the country this year, but like all other entertainment, the dates had to be cancelled. So they’re taking to Zoom instead! Esteemed host Chanukah Lewinsky will be joined by Christian Adore, That Ray, DJ Tamtam and more for a night of drag, klezmer, poetry, art, comedy and open mic.
8.30-10.30pm. £4-£10. ONLINE. www.fb.com/H0m0sandhoumous
Night 4 // SUNDAY 13 DECEMBER
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FAMILY: Chanukah Science Lab
Children aged 4+ are invited to become little scientists in Richmond Jewish Community Hub’s Chanukah Science Lab. There will be interactive, hands-on experiments with candles and oil. Followed by a candle lighting at 4.15pm.
3.15pm. FREE. ONLINE. www.rjch.org.uk
FAMILY: Latkes & Light – A Virtual Family Chanukah Celebration
The Jewish community in Denver, Colorado, invites the world to join them in lighting their Chanukiah. There will also be singing, dancing, Chanukah-themed activities, and a talk about the importance of tzedakah (charity). Featuring educators from Jewish Explorers, Judaism Your Way, Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Centre and the PJ Library.
5pm (GMT). FREE. ONLINE. www.jccdenver.org/calendar/latkes-light-a-virtual-family-chanukah-celebration
FAMILY: Chanukah Spark Nights
No pandemic is going to stop JW3 from bringing the community together to celebrate Chanukah. Join them nightly to light candles and sing familiar Chanukah songs. Each evening is hosted by West End musical star Tracy Kashi, with music, a daily competition to win gourmet doughnuts, and special guests, including Sam Eastmond, Ana Silvera, Ben Caplan, Ian Shaw and Alicia Jo Rabins. Streaming live from the JW3 Facebook page each night.
6.30-7pm. FREE. ONLINE. www.jw3.org.uk/whats-on/chanukah-spark-nights
MUSIC: CHANUKAH GLOBAL GALA
A virtual benefit concert for the Musicians of Tomorrow school, which provides free musical tuition to exceptionally gifted kids in the north of Israel. Many of the pupils come from disadvantaged backgrounds, so as well as scholarships, the school offers hot meals, medical assistance, clothing and transportation. Violinist and founder of the school Maxim Vengerov will introduce the evening, which features performances of Mozart, Sarasate, Crusell and Atmaca by the East-West Ensemble, soloists and special guests. Read our feature about Musicians of Tomorrow, originally published in the Jul 2014 issue of JR.
6pm. Donations. ONLINE. www.musiciansoftomorrow.com
TALKS: Around the World in Eight Nights
Edgware & Hendon Reform Synagogue (EHRS) will be joined by rabbis and educators from different parts of the world each night this Chanukah. Featuring Rabbi Greg Alexander and Temple Israel in Cape Town.
6pm. FREE. ONLINE. www.ehrs.uk/chanukah
Night 5 // Monday 14 DECEMBER
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FAMILY: Chanukah Spark Nights
No pandemic is going to stop JW3 from bringing the community together to celebrate Chanukah. Join them nightly to light candles and sing familiar Chanukah songs. Each evening is hosted by West End musical star Tracy Kashi, with music, a daily competition to win gourmet doughnuts, and special guests, including Sam Eastmond, Ana Silvera, Ben Caplan, Ian Shaw and Alicia Jo Rabins. Streaming live from the JW3 Facebook page each night.
6.30-7pm. FREE. ONLINE. www.jw3.org.uk/whats-on/chanukah-spark-nights
TALKS: Around the World in Eight Nights
Edgware & Hendon Reform Synagogue (EHRS) will be joined by rabbis and educators from different parts of the world each night this Chanukah. Featuring Leo Baeck Community in Haifa.
6pm. FREE. ONLINE. www.ehrs.uk/chanukah
TALKS: Human Rights Chanukah – Jewish Action to Stop Uyghur Persecution
This year Human Rights Week is during Chanukah, so the Bristol and West Progressive Jewish Congregation invites you to a talk about the persecution of almost three million Muslim Uyghurs in China. After lighting the Chanukiah, the UK’s project director of the World Uyghur Congress, Rahima Mahmut will share her personal story, followed by Mia Hasenson-Gross, executive director of René Cassin, the Jewish voice for human rights.
6pm. FREE. ONLINE. www.eventbrite.co.uk
Night 6 // Tuesday 15 DECEMBER
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FAMILY: Chanukah Spark Nights
No pandemic is going to stop JW3 from bringing the community together to celebrate Chanukah. Join them nightly to light candles and sing familiar Chanukah songs. Each evening is hosted by West End musical star Tracy Kashi, with music, a daily competition to win gourmet doughnuts, and special guests, including Sam Eastmond, Ana Silvera, Ben Caplan, Ian Shaw and Alicia Jo Rabins. Streaming live from the JW3 Facebook page each night.
6.30-7pm. FREE. ONLINE. www.jw3.org.uk/whats-on/chanukah-spark-nights
FAMILY: Muslim Jewish Forum Chanukah Party
Join the MJF online for a virtual Chanukah celebration. Featuring live klezmer music from The Michael Kahan Kapelye and a latke-making masterclass, plus discover the origin of the Chanukah story and the menorah, light candles and share in some Chanukah memories.
7pm. FREE. ONLINE. www.muslimjewish.org.uk/Future_events.html
TALKS: Around the World in Eight Nights
Edgware & Hendon Reform Synagogue (EHRS) will be joined by rabbis and educators from different parts of the world each night this Chanukah. Featuring Rahel Musleah on the Jewish Calcutta of her childhood.
6pm. FREE. ONLINE. www.ehrs.uk/chanukah
WORKSHOPS: Online cooking class – Grated Pear and Olive Oil Cake
Renowned Jewish chef Denise Phillips takes to the web to teach budding chefs a few tips. Classes are held via Zoom every Friday at 10am (for adults) and Tuesdays at 11am (for children). This Tuesday she’ll be teaching participants how to make a grated pear and olive oil cake. Visit her website to find out how to take part or to get the recipe to use later.
11am. FREE. ONLINE. https://jewishcookery.com
Night 7 // WEDNESDAY 16 DECEMBER
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FAMILY: CELEBRATE CHANUKAH WITH BNJC
Join the Brighton & Hove Jewish Community on the 7th night of Chanukah for a virtual bake-along celebration. Fry up some delicious doughnuts alongside Israeli chef Yanir Mrejen, get an update on the progress of their new building, and close on a candle lighting. The Chanukah party will also feature Israeli footballer Tomer Hemed (Brighton & Hove Albion) in conversation with Brighton-based journalist, and host for the evening, Yael Breuer.
7.45pm. FREE. ONLINE. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bnjc-chanukah-party-registration-128847665837
FAMILY: Chanukah Spark Nights
No pandemic is going to stop JW3 from bringing the community together to celebrate Chanukah. Join them nightly to light candles and sing familiar Chanukah songs. Each evening is hosted by West End musical star Tracy Kashi, with music, a daily competition to win gourmet doughnuts, and special guests, including Sam Eastmond, Ana Silvera, Ben Caplan, Ian Shaw and Alicia Jo Rabins. Streaming live from the JW3 Facebook page each night.
6.30-7pm. FREE. ONLINE. www.jw3.org.uk/whats-on/chanukah-spark-nights
TALKS: Around the World in Eight Nights
Edgware & Hendon Reform Synagogue (EHRS) will be joined by rabbis and educators from different parts of the world each night this Chanukah. Featuring Rabbi Yehonatan Elazar De-Mota in Portugal.
6pm. FREE. ONLINE. www.ehrs.uk/chanukah
Night 8 // Thursday 17 DECEMBER
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FAMILY: Chanukah Spark Nights
No pandemic is going to stop JW3 from bringing the community together to celebrate Chanukah. Join them nightly to light candles and sing familiar Chanukah songs. Each evening is hosted by West End musical star Tracy Kashi, with music, a daily competition to win gourmet doughnuts, and special guests, including Sam Eastmond, Ana Silvera, Ben Caplan, Ian Shaw and Alicia Jo Rabins. Streaming live from the JW3 Facebook page each night.
6.30-7pm. FREE. ONLINE. www.jw3.org.uk/whats-on/chanukah-spark-nights
TALKS: Around the World in Eight Nights
Edgware & Hendon Reform Synagogue (EHRS) will be joined by rabbis and educators from different parts of the world each night this Chanukah. Featuring Rabbi Eli Freedman and Congregation Rodeph Shalom in Philadelphia.
6pm. FREE. ONLINE. www.ehrs.uk/chanukah
THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER
WALKS: VIRTUAL TOUR OF ISRAEL
Online Chanukah Israel tour with Glasgow’s Giffnock Synagogue, presented by tour guide Josh Hartuv. Contact office@giffnockshul.org.uk to register.
7.30pm. Contact for prices. ONLINE. www.scojec.org/whats-on/whats-on.html
WORKSHOPS: Latkes and the Foods of Chanukah
The Jewish holiday of Chanukah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is traditionally celebrated by eating oil based or fried foods. The most familiar of these foods in America is the fried potato pancake called a latke. Join Richard Witting for a demo on how to make the potato latke, and some other variations, as well as a discussion of other Chanukah celebration foods around the world. There will be an introduction to the holiday, and the story at its centre. Streaming live from Burlington, Vermont.
10.30pm (GMT). FREE. ONLINE. www.eventbrite.com
For more online events, browse JR Home Entertainment.