Congregation Beth Shalom shares light of Hanukkah with menorah events in Modesto area
Congregation Beth Shalom again offers the public a chance to celebrate Hanukkah with a series of menorah lighting events across the region.
The lightings will take place five of the eight nights — with two on the same evening — of Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights. According to a press release from Rabbi Shalom Bochner, Hanukkah is a minor Jewish holiday celebrating the victory of the Maccabees in their struggle for religious freedom.
The winter holiday is timed based on the lunar calendar and this year intersects with Christmas, starting Dec. 22 and ending Dec. 30, Bochner said.
For more than 10 years, the congregation also has hosted dinners on Dec. 24-25 for police officers, firefighters and other emergency responders, as well as those who are home-bound. These will again be offered this year as part of the congregation’s Hanukkah events.
“The First Responders Dinners are part of the congregation’s commitment to Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and making the world a better place for everybody,” Bochner said.
The public menorah lightings are free for all-ages, rain or shine. They will feature the lighting of a 5-foot tall menorah, holiday songs and treats.
Here are when and where the menorah lightings will be held:
▪ 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, at Vintage Faire Mall in Modesto, at the south side near the Apple Store.
▪ 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23, in downtown Turlock, corner of South Golden State Boulevard and Main Street.
▪ 4:15 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27, at McHenry Village, 1700 McHenry Ave., Modesto
▪ 5:15 p.m. Friday Dec. 27, at Congregation Beth Shalom, 1705 Sherwood Ave., Modesto, where there will be a Hanukkah party with dreidel games, 6:15pm Shabbat Services and dinner at 7:15 p.m. $12 adults, $6 ages 12 and under, $30 for a family of four or more in advance; $15 at the door. To RSVP, call 209-571-6060.
▪ 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at the Oakdale Museum and History Center, 212 W F St. followed by a no-host party at Last Call Brewery, 159 North 1st Ave.
▪ 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, in Downtown Merced’s Bob Hart Square, Main Street and Canal, co-sponsored with Congregation Etz Chaim.
