Hanukkah

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Share the light. Hanukkah is celebrated during the darkest time of the year precisely to remind us that there is always light within each of us.

Each night of the holiday, we ceremoniously light the menorah — but we also ignite our very own inner glow as we remember and relive the victory of a small group over a seemingly insurmountable force. We recall the moment, nearly two-thousand years ago, when a small flask of oil exceeded every expectation and lit up the ancient Temple in Jerusalem — not just for one day, but a full eight nights. It goes to show that hope and faith don’t just flicker; they flare on and on.

Inspired by the tradition of placing the hanukkiyah in a window or doorway for all passersby to see, Hanukkah celebrations have evolved into major events for public celebration of Jewish culture.

Hanukkah begins at sunset, December 25 // Observed December 25 – January 2, 2024

 

Man and children play game at Ghirardelli popup
Person lights the hanukkiyah
December 2024
Mon
2

Jewish Life

Hanukkah Coat Drive

Date
Monday, December 2 – Tuesday, December 31
Time
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Help keep families warm by donating new or lightly used coats of all sizes during the month of December.
Sun
8

Fitness

HANUKKAH FITNESS FUN

Date
Sunday, December 8 – Tuesday, December 31
Time
10:00 AM
Get into the holiday spirit with Hanukkah-inspired workouts. From Body Fit power moves to candlelight Yoga, to joyful rides, we’ll keep you glowing all season long.
Learn More REGISTER
Members Free | Public $35-$50
Sun
8

Jewish Life

Hanukkah Maker's Market

Date
Sun, December 8
Time
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Shop for unique handmade crafts, artisanal foods, and one-of-a-kind gifts from local artists, makers and chefs. Celebrate the season, support local businesses, and get creative with hands-on Hanukkah crafts.
Learn More REGISTER
Free. All Ages.
Wed
11

Arts & Ideas

THE DYBBUK – RESTORED & LIVE SCORED

Date
Wed, December 11
Time
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Watch what happens when a young bride is possessed by the spirit of her dead lover’s dislocated soul and is taken to an exorcist. You’ll find yourself immersed in this highly stylized, expressionist-influenced 1937 film based on the ultimate Yiddish theater classic complete with live music by Yenne Velt and an introduction by Nathaniel Deutsch
Sun
15

Arts & Ideas

Glowing Hanukkah Pop-Up at Ghirardelli Square

Date
Sun, December 15
Time
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Experience the magic of Hanukkah at Ghirardelli Square with crafts, vibrant music, delicious hot donuts, and the menorah lighting. Bring your loved ones for a joyful night of tradition.
Mon
23

Arts & Ideas

60+ Holiday Luncheon: Rejoice in the Light

Date
Mon, December 23
Time
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
At this festive holiday celebration, we’re ramping up that special light within each of us to shine brightly as we dispel the darkness of the season.
Mon
23

Arts & Ideas

Songs of Light & Joy: Jewish Folk Chorus of San Francisco

Date
Mon, December 23
Time
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Celebrate the winter season with beautiful songs presented by the Jewish Folk Chorus of San Francisco. The chorus will elevate our spirits with song.
Thu
26

Jewish Life

Hanukkah Candle Lighting

Date
Thu, December 26
Time
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Light the community hanukkiyah with us in the atrium and enjoy live music, crafts and fried treats. Join us on these weekdays Dec 26, 27, 30 & 31.
Learn More
FREE
Fri
27

Jewish Life

Hanukkah Candle Lighting

Date
Thu, December 26
Time
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Light the community hanukkiyah with us in the atrium and enjoy live music, crafts and fried treats. Join us on these weekdays Dec 26, 27, 30 & 31.
Learn More
FREE
Sun
29

Jewish Life

Hanukkah at Thrive City

Date
Sun, December 29
Time
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Gather at the home of the Golden State Warriors to celebrate Hanukkah with a candle lighting and holiday activities.
Learn More REGISTER
Free. All Ages.
Mon
30

Jewish Life

Hanukkah Candle Lighting

Date
Thu, December 26
Time
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Light the community hanukkiyah with us in the atrium and enjoy live music, crafts and fried treats. Join us on these weekdays Dec 26, 27, 30 & 31.
Learn More
FREE
Tue
31

Jewish Life

Hanukkah Candle Lighting

Date
Thu, December 26
Time
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Light the community hanukkiyah with us in the atrium and enjoy live music, crafts and fried treats. Join us on these weekdays Dec 26, 27, 30 & 31.
Learn More
FREE

 

DIY Hanukkah

Use this handy booklet to help you celebrate Hanukkah at home with your family. From prayers to lighting the menorah, it’s all in there.

Share the Light

Enjoy our Spotify soundtrack filled with spirited songs that serve as a reminder of the courage, strength and light around us and within us.

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