Hanukkah 2012 In St. Louis Park

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. 

Here's a look at some of the events happening in or near St. Louis Park:

• The Bais Yisroel Synagogue in Minneapolis will hold several services.
• The Beth El Synagogue in St. Louis Park will have services as well as a Hanukkah Shabbat Family Dinner at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14. Reservations and fee required, see website for details. There is also a special Hannukkah program during the 10 a.m. Dec. 14 Babies and Bagels gathering.
• Chabad of St. Louis Park has several services planned, as well as a family event from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Byerly's.
• Darchei Noam in St. Louis Park will hold services throughout the week, and a Chanuka dinner on Sunday. RSVPs were taken through Dec. 3, but you can email anne.m.vos@gmail.com to check to see if space is available for more.
• The Adath Jeshurun Congregation in Minnetonka has several activities happening Dec. 7 and Dec. 8, including a Synaplex dinner at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7 (following a 6 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat with Danny Maseng). Activities continue 9:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. with Hanukkah activities and a 7 p.m. concert with Danny Maseng. 
• Bet Shalom Congregation in Minnetonka will celebrate with a potluck dinner and service featuring the children's choir at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 14. You are aked to RSVP by Dec. 10. Check the event calendar for details on services and other activities.

For additional events happening around the Twin Cities, check out the community calendars on jewishminnesota.org or tcjewfolk.com.

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.

Check out these previous Hanukkah stories on St. Louis Park Patch:

• The Jewish Arts Council Celebrates Hanukkah
• Jewish Law
• Religious Persecution in Ancient Israel
• A Festival of Lights
• Patch Picks: 5 Favorite Holiday Movies
• Kids Blast Trumpets Made in the Shofar Factory
• Plenty of Hanukkah Fun in the Park

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

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