Hanukkah 2012 in the South End

This year, Hanukkah begins on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 8, and ends a week later on Sunday, Dec. 16.

According to Chabad.org, Hanukkah starts on the Hebrew calendar date of 25 Kislev and lasts for eight days. For those of us who aren't attuned to the Jewish calendar, that translates to sundown on Saturday, Dec. 8. 

Near the South End, Temple Israel of Boston, (477 Longwood Ave.) is hosting author Jen Marlow of The Hour of Sunlight: One Palestinian’s Journey from Prisoner to Peacemaker on Friday, Dec. 7 and a Qabbalat Shabbat Service. See here for more details.

On Saturday, the Jewish Music Theater at the New England Conservatory’s Pierce Hall, (241 St. Botolph St.) presents the “The Unbearable Lightness: First Candle”, an evening of contemporary acoustic music composed by artistic director Matti Kovler and video installation by Oliver Simpson. The show starts at 8 p.m.

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the story of the Maccabean Revolt against Syrian rulers in present day Israel 2,300 years ago. The Maccabees wanted to rededicate Jerusalem's main temple but had only enough oil to kindle the Eternal Light for one day. The oil lasted for eight days, according to the story, and the holiday of Hanukkah was born.

Today, Jews generally celebrate by gathering together with family, lighting one candle on the menorah each of the eight nights, playing dreidel and eating special holiday foods such as potato latkes and babka.

TELL US: If you observe Hanukkah, what are your plans?