Hanukkah Celebration Planned For This Weekend

Wednesday night at sundown signals the start of Hanukkah - an eight day festival of lights celebrated among Jewish communities across the world.

Locally, leaders say there is a Jewish Renaissance happening on the North Shore; it's part of a trend  called "Chagenu," which translates into "our holiday." This trend  celebrates the Jewish culture and holidays.

In keeping with the trend, The Jewish Community Center of the North Shore will be celebrating on Sunday, with a community Hanukkah party.

"Jewish agencies and temples around the North Shore are sponsoring this community event. It is free and open to the public and we encourage everyone in the area to stop by," said Leigh Blander, spokesperson for the JCC.

For those who attend, the day will be divided up into different events: crafts for preschool and a performance by John Nelson, a kid-friendly performer for all ages.

"It's a nice collaboration," Blander said. "There will also be a broadcast of Shalom Seasame Street in English. It's like the Israeli version and has a cool international feel to it."

In addition, there will be Hanukkah-themed games for the older children, along with dreidel games.

"The pool will be open the whole time for family swim," Blander said. "We will also be serving the traditional Hanukkah latkes  for free."

After guests have had their fill of latkes and dreidel games, there will be a lighting of the Menorah in the community room of the JCC.

"We're really excited about the collaboration,"Blander said. "We're bringing families across the North Shore together and we're happy host the event. It's going to be so much fun celebrating this wonderful Jewish holiday with songs, food, games and music."

The party is Free and open to the public. For more information call 781-631-8330 or visit jccns.org.