MIRACLES IN FOCUS
Hanukkah at Adas 2025
Sunday, December 14, 2025 - Monday, December 22, 2025
Our days move quickly.
Memories blur. Moments overlap.
And then something comes into focus — a gesture, a voice, a gathering, a sight:
We realize were standing in the middle of a miracle we didn't know to look for.
Hanukkah is that illuminating pause:
Eight nights to see clearly what connects us, grounds us, brings us alive.
Come gather close, look again. A full calendar of Hanukkah gatherings is ahead - moments of joy, connection, and miracles coming into focus, together.
Gather in the Hanukkah Glow
Tuesday, December 16 & Wednesday, December 17, 4pm-8pm
Come gather under a gentle, reflective Hanukkah glow on the exterior of our Adas façade.
This Hanukkah, on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, we’ll softly illuminate the front of our beloved Adas building with a simple, moving visual art piece created for this season of miracles. Come gather to pray, light the menorah, and take a few moments together in its warmth. Minyan (with Menorah lightning) will be at 6pm. The installation will be visible from sundown beginning at 8pm. If you can’t join in person, we’ll share the experience digitally as well. Chag Hanukkah Sameach.
Hesed Family Hanukkah Cookie Baking Event
Sunday, December 7, 2025 @ 1pm | Register Here
Hesed Family Hanukkah Cookie Baking is a special event just for families attending with children. We will make colorful Hanukkah cookies to go in the Hesed freezer for our community - and you'll get to take some home, too! Please plan 1 adult for every 2 children. The entire program is expected to run from 1:00 pm until 3:30 pm.
Attendance for the entire session is required for registrants, so we ask that if you cannot stay the entire time that you allow others to sign up for our limited spots.
Thank you for cooking for Hesed!
Daily Minyan & Nightly Menorah Lighting
This year, 25 Kislev, the first day of Hanukkah, starts Sunday night, December 14. As Sunday evening services are held only on Zoom, the leaders on December 14 and December 21 will light candles and recite the blessings at home before the start of the service. On Monday, December 16, through Thursday, December 19, we will light candles in the Biran Beit Midrash before proceeding with the rest of the service.
There’s more action at morning minyan. We light candles without reciting the blessings (come to minyan to find out why!). Every day we chant Hallel and read Torah. The Torah readings, detail the gifts that the chiefs of the tribes of Israel brought for the dedication of the Tabernacle, an apt choice given that Hanukkah means “dedication.” On Sunday, December 21, the second day of a two-day Rosh Chodesh for the month of Tevet, we leyn from two scrolls–one containing the Hanukkah reading and the other containing the regular Rosh Chodesh reading, both from the Book of Bamidbar.
Psalm 30, which is part of the preliminary prayers every morning, is repeated at the end of morning services because of its title, “A Song for the Dedication of the Temple of David.” Finally, we will, of course, serve sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) at breakfast.
Six13 Hanukkah Concert
Sunday, December 14, 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM | Register Here
Celebrate Hanukkah at Adas Israel with Six13, the award-winning Jewish a cappella sensation. Join us for a morning of soaring harmonies, joyful energy, and Hanukkah spirit for all ages.
Juxtaposing the traditional and the contemporary, Six13 is anchored by a strong Jewish identity, fueled by soulful harmonies, intricate arrangements and their signature dynamic, full-band-like sound, and driven by a mission to connect Jews around the world with their heritage through music. With viral hits reaching millions online, and performances everywhere from the White House to Madison Square Garden, these award-winning vocalists bring unmatched passion and ruach to every stage they grace.
This event is generously sponsored by Jessamyn Berniker and Itai Grinberg.
This concert is offered free of charge. In appreciation, we invite you to support the Israel Children’s Cancer Foundation with a donation that helps bring healing and hope to children and families. To contribute, click “Donate” and select your preferred option. Under “How did you hear about us?”, please type “Adas.”
Wellness Center Meditation Series in Collaboration with Or HaLev
Tuesday, December 16 at 7pm (Special Hanukkah Meditation)
Register Here: Drop-Ins Welcome
Please join us for this series of mindful meditation sits co-sponsored by Or HaLev Jewish Spirituality and Meditation. Using Jewish wisdom as our guide and rooted in Jewish teachings, these contemplative sits will offer quiet for the mind and a connection to ourselves, our tradition and each other. Open to the Adas and DC broader community; new and experienced practioners welcome! Registration encouraged to receive updates and reminders; feel free to drop in at any time.
Community Shabbat Celebration
Friday, December 19 at 6pm
Celebrate the 6th night of Hanukkah at Adas! Gather with Rabbi Anina Dassa for community candle lighting, a festive Kabbalat Shabbat, a joyful sing-along of your favorite holiday songs, and sweet oneg treats to follow.
Dan Kaufman Memorial Hanukkah Party / Sixth13 Concert
Sunday, Dec 14 at 9am | Register Here
Join us for our annual Dan Kaufman Memorial Hanukkah Party, followed by a concert featuring the acclaimed a capella group, Sixth13.
The Hanukkah Party is geared toward families with children in grades PreK-6th grade and will include latkes, crafts and more. Immediately following the party, families will join the Adas-wide community in the Smith Sanctuary for Six13’s performance. Please note that all children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration for the party is required - cost of participation is $18 per adult and $10 per child aged 3 and up. The concert is free.
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.
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)
