Community Corner

Hanukkah 2012 in Hamilton and Wenham

Celebrate the Festival of Lights in Hamilton and Wenham with fun events and delicious recipes.

This year, Hanukkah begins on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 8, and ends a week later on Sunday, Dec. 16.

According to Chabad.org, Hanukkah starts on the Hebrew calendar date of 25 Kislev and lasts for eight days. For those of us who aren't attuned to the Jewish calendar, that translates to sundown on Saturday, Dec. 8. 

While there is no synagogue in Hamilton and Wenham, in nearby Beverly at Temple B'nai Abraham on East Lothrop Street, services and events will be held throughout the week. 

Find out what's happening in Hamilton-Wenhamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Click here for Temple B'nai Abraham's Hanukkah calendar.

At Hamilton-Wenham Library on Tuesday, the Lappin Foundation will host a Hanukkah celebration. It is free, open to the public and no preregistration is required. It will run from 4-5 p.m. and include stories and songs for all ages celebrating Hanukkah.

Find out what's happening in Hamilton-Wenhamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the story of the Maccabean Revolt against Syrian rulers in present day Israel 2,300 years ago. The Maccabees wanted to rededicate Jerusalem's main temple but had only enough oil to kindle the Eternal Light for one day. The oil lasted for eight days, according to the story, and the holiday of Hanukkah was born.

Today, Jews generally celebrate by gathering together with family, lighting one candle on the menorah each of the eight nights, playing dreidel and eating special holiday foods such as potato latkes and babka.

TELL US: If you observe Hanukkah, what are your plans?


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Hamilton-Wenham