Chag Hanukkah Sameach
Thursday, December 7, 2023 - Friday, December 15, 2023
As we kindle our Hanukkah flames this year — an act perhaps more poignantly felt than ever in recent memory — we hold the remarkable power to illuminate our world. Amidst darkness, amidst doubt, amidst the many unknowns, we join together with each other, and with millions across the globe, as we bring more and more sacred light each of our eight nights. An eternal emblem of our quest for justice, for peace, for joy, and for a deep goodness, radiating outwards. We hope you will join us this year at Adas for the coming celebrations and festivities, and we wish you — and all in our beloved Adas family — a heartfelt Chag Chanukah Sameach.
Shabbat Hanukkah Festival
With Micah Hendler and Amer Abu Arqub, Executive Director of the Jerusalem Youth Chorus
Friday Night, December 8 at 6:30pm
Click Here To Register and for Full Festival Schedule
Join us for Festival Shabbat on the evening of December 8 at 6:30pm for a spirited & soulful service, followed by Shabbat/Hannukah dinner. We will be joined by Amer Abu Arqub, Executive Director of the Jerusalem Youth Chorus (founded by Micah Hendler). Amer is a Palestinian lawyer with an MBA focused on international organizational management, and a member of the Jerusalem Model--a network of young social entrepreneurs from East and West Jerusalem working together to address the city’s diverse challenges. Amer will join Micah in talking about their peace-building work, his life in this moment, and their hopes for the future. We'll also open our hearts and sing together with Amer and Micah.
Nightly Menorah Lighting With Evening Minyan
In-Person: Tuesday, Dec 12 & Wednesday, Dec 13 at 6pm, BBM
Online with Minyan: December 7, 10, 11 and 14 at 6pm (Click For Zoom)
Illuminate the night with evening minyan! Join us for our nightly Menorah lighting during Hanukkah. Minyan begins at 6pm, with menorah lighting to follow. Share in the joy, tradition, and unity each evening. Click here for the candle lighting blessings.
YP Kiddush Hanukkah Party
December 9th after Shabbat morning services in the Gan space/Cohen Hall
Come to be with community, play dreidel like you've never played it before, and generally live your best chag life. RSVP not required, but reach out to
janelle.mccarthy6@gmail.com with any questions.
Family Hanukkah Hesed Event
Family Hesed Event on Sunday, December 3rd @ 1pm
Register to cook here!
We invite families with children to join us for a fun afternoon of baking and decorating yummy Hanukkah cookies to be distributed to people who are sick, elderly, juggling a new baby, or just need a little pick-me-up. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult per two children ages 4-8 and one adult per three children 8 and older.
Dan Kaufman Memorial Hanukkah Party
Sunday, December 10, 9:30am - 11:30am | Register Here
Happy Hanukkah! Join the Adas Israel community for a morning filled with latkes, music, and plenty of Hanukkah fun! Open to all Adas families. Note that there is a $10 per child registration fee for all children ages 4 and up. Adults and children under 3 are free! All children must be accompanied by an adult. This event will take the place of religious school for the day, and is designed for children from 3 years through 6th grade.This year for the Dan Kaufman Memorial Hanukkah Party we will be making trail mix bags for Martha’s Table and the McKenna’s Wagon program. These bags will go to people that are experiencing hunger or housing insecurity. In preparation for the party we are asking families to donate food items for our trail mix bags. We are looking for Wheat Chex, Cheerios, Raisins, Cheez It, Pretzels. You can either bring these items to the Religious School office or purchase from this Amazon Wish list by Wednesday, November 29th.
DC Teen Hanukkah Gelt Together
Saturday, December 9 | Register Here
Join teens from around DC for a fun Hanukkah Gelt Together in the Adas Israel Youth Lounge. Join BBYO, Adas Israel, Temple Micah, Washington Hebrew and Temple Sinai for a fun night out.
Hanukkah at the Gift Shop
It's time to roll out the big cart to display our Hanukkah offerings. If you come through the lobby, you'll see the myriad toys we have for the eight nights of Hanukkah as well as the many Hanukkah menorahs and candles. And we're expecting new stock during the next couple of weeks, so be sure to stop by. Remember, the first night is December 7, so start shopping!
Light the Hanukkah Menorah
Click here to listen to a recording of the Hanukkah blessings
Place the Hanukkah Menorah in a conspicuous place in your home. The lights should be kindled as soon as possible after nightfall with all members of the family present. Any members of the family, including children, may kindle the Hanukkah lights. Light the “Shamash” candle first. On the first evening of Hanukkah, one candle is lit, which is placed on the far right of the Menorah, as you face it.
Blessing over the Candles
Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam, asher kidishanu b'mitz'votav, v'tzivanu l'had'lik neir shel Chanukah. (Amein)
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light the lights of Hanukkah. (Amen)
Blessing for Hanukkah
Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam, she'asah nisim la'avoteinu bayamim haheim baziman hazeh. (Amein)
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe, who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time (Amen)
Shehecheyanu (first night only)
Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam, shehecheyanu v'kiyimanu v'higi'anu laz'man hazeh. (Amein)
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season (Amen)
