With the holiday season now in full swing, communities across the region are celebrating Hanukkah with menorah lightings and other events to commemorate the Jewish holiday, which is set to begin on Dec. 7 this year.
Hanukkah, which spans eight nights, is Judaism’s Festival of Lights, commemorating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the second century B.C.E., after a small group of Jewish fighters liberated it from occupying foreign forces.
Celebrations across the region began early this year, with Lynn holding a menorah-lighting ceremony as part of its Festival of Lights in Central Square on Nov. 30.
Lynnfield will partner with the Chabad of the North Shore for the 10th annual Chanukah on Ice at MarketStreet. The event will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 12, and will include a grand menorah lighting, ice skating, Hanukkah treats, and glow swag for kids. The event is open to the entire North Shore community and free skate rentals will be open to participants.
Marblehead will host its Community Menorah Lighting at National Grand Bank on Thursday at 5 p.m. All are welcome to the event, which is supported by the Marblehead Chamber of Commerce, National Grand Bank, Congregation Shirat Hayam, Temple Emanu-El, Temple Sinai, and the Jewish Community Center of the North Shore.
Also on Thursday, Saugus will host its second annual Menorah Lighting at 3 p.m. Community leaders will join William and Maureen Appel of Congregation Ahavas Sholom for the event, which will be held outside Town Hall.
In Peabody, city officials, including Mayor Ted Bettencourt, will gather outside City Hall for a Menorah Lighting on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 12 p.m. Bettencourt invited the public to attend.
Swampscott, home to Chabad of the North Shore, will host a pair of events. First, on Tuesday, Dec. 11, the Chabad will hold a Chanukah Babyccino event at 9:30 a.m. at 44 Burrill St. Parents and caretakers are invited to bring their children for a day of activities, songs, and doughnuts.
Later, on Dec. 17, the Chabad will host a Chanukah Run-a-Latke 5K at 10 a.m. The race will begin at 44 Burrill St. From there, runners will race a flat loop along the scenic shore, with latkes and klezmer dancing at the finish line.
