As the first day of Hannukah, the week-long Jewish Festival of Lights, starts at sundown on Thanksgiving Eve, overlapping with the American festival of food, the converging holidays are sparking interesting celebrations.
Synagogues and Jewish centers across Long Island are hosting an array of events for the occasion, dubbed Thanksgivukkah, although the two holidays are not supposed to overlap for another 79,000 years, depending upon whom is asked.
“Chanukah and Thanksgiving have far more in common than a calendar date,” said Motti Grossbaum, Rabbi at Chabad at Stony Brook, noting that both holidays involve giving thanks for extraordinary events.
Chanukah celebrates the victory of the Jewish army over the Syrian Greek army over 21 centuries ago, allowing them to reclaim their Holy Temple in Jerusalem, where the last bit of oil to fuel the Temple’s menorah lasted eight days.
Thanksgiving, on the other hand, traditionally marks American settlers celebrating a successful harvest season with a big feast.
Here are some of the Hannukah festivities scheduled for the next eight days on LI.
Wednesday, Nov. 27
Turkey Hop
Temple Beth El of Bellmore, 1373 Bellmore Road, North Bellmore. 6-11 p.m.
Rabbi Klein Presents: “Hanukkah Uncovered: Understanding the Mysterious Elements of the Hanukkah Story.”
Merrick Jewish Center, 225 Fox Blvd, Merrick. 8:15 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 29
Hanukkah Celebration and Latke Fest
Shabbat Service in the sanctuary at followed by Latka Fest Oneg Shabbat in the reception room. Bring your homemade latkes in a throw away pan to the kitchen and we will heat them and serve them at the oneg. Be creative. We will provide sour cream and apple sauce.
North Shore Synagogue, 83 Muttontown Rd., Syosset. 7:30 p.m.
Simple Shabbat-Chanukah Dinner
Don’t miss another wonderful relaxing Shabbat Dinner at Temple Israel and celebrate Chanukah together!
Temple Israel of Long Beach, 305 Riverside Blvd., Long Beach. 4:15 p.m., $12.
Saturday, Nov. 30
Channukah on Ice
Giant carved ice menorah, skating to Jewish music, Kosher food, hot latkes, arts and crafts. Hosted by Chabat of Great Neck at Parkwood Rink, 65 Arrandale Ave., Great Neck. 7:30 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 2
Grand Chanukah Spectacular
Giant Menorah Lighting, jelly doughnuts, Chanukah Gelt and Dreidel guessing contest
Chabad of Stony Brook,1 Bates Rd., East Setauket. 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Chanukah on Chanukah
Spin dreidels, sing songs, cook and eat delicious latkes.
Members: $15 Non-Members: $20
Mid-Island Y Jewish Community Center, 45 Manetto Hill Rd., Plainview.
Tuesday, Dec. 3
Hanukkah Party
Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre, 295 Main St., East Rockaway. 6 p.m.
Hanukkah Extravaganza
Menorah lighting, jelly donuts, latkes and The Extreme Hanukkah Challenge.
Long Island Center, 16 New South Rd., Hicksville. 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec.4
A Chanukah Evening of Mind and Spirit
Chabad of Stony Brook,1 Bates Rd., East Setauket. 7:30 p.m.
Chanukah Latke and Desert Party
The Garden City Jewish Center, 168 Nassau Blvd., Garden City. 6:15 p.m.
6th Annual World Series of Dreidels Spin & Win
Starts with a feast of pizza, salad and snacks at 6:15 p.m. Dreidel tournament begins at 6:45 p.m. Family members receive gelt and a chance to spin until someone wins. The champion will receive a trophy and a grand prize gift. Other games and extra snacks will be available to those who are eliminated.
Member: $9 Adult, $7 Child, $28 max per family
Non-Member: $15 Adult, $10 Child, $40 max per family
Mid-Island Y Jewish Community Center, 45 Manetto Hill Rd., Plainview.
Saturday, Dec. 7
Chanukah Party
Congregation Beth Tikvah, 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh. 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 8
Chanukah Bash
Yes, we know Chanukah will be over by then, but why limit the celebration to eight days? One Pot Wonder Cook-Off; dinner and Cantor Hest’s Chanukah play and more. Temple Beth-El of Great Neck, Old Mill Rd., Great Neck 5 p.m.
