Chanukah 2018 is nearly here! IT starts on Sunday night 2nd December until the last day on 10th December. Here are our eight ideas for you to enjoy every day of Chanukah!
1.Brand New Parade and of course Chanukah shows!!
Click here or here to see what shows are on this Chanukah!
“Together: Marching with World Jewry”
This year a new tradition will begin – a Chanukah Parade Celebrating World Jewry!
On Monday December 3, 2018 — the second night of Chanukah, we will march together, spread the light and celebrate the bond of Am Yisrael.
As part of strengthening the relationship between the State of Israel and the Jewish People in the Diaspora, about 5,000 marchers from varied backgrounds will join the inaugural parade to celebrate World Jewry, including: soldiers, students, high school pupils and youth movement members; members of organizations working in cooperation with the Diaspora Jewry, members of Knesset, Israeli government ministers and honored guests from Israel and abroad.
The kind of massive float that will travel to Israel as part of the Jewish unity parade, slated to take place on December 3, 2018 in Jerusalem (Courtesy public relations)
The marchers will assemble at 12:00pm at the Old Train Station complex (HaTachana), then march along the city streets towards the Sultan’s Pool, where the closing event that will end at approx. 8PM will take place.
The parade will include marching bands, huge floats that will feature displays from the Jewish world, enormous displays, and gala performances by Netchi Netch and Matisyahu. The parade will be one of the largest and most impressive events ever held in Israel’s capital and will showcase a uniquely inspiring Chanukah candle-lighting ceremony.
Come be part of a new tradition. Share in something bigger.
Come and march, spread the light and be illuminated.
All Together Now!
For more information – Avior – aavior@gmail.com – 052-964-8211 Information credited to the NBN Website.
2. Make some Doughnuts or get creative with food!
Saidels Artisan Baking Institute run a fantastic doughnut workshop which is great for all ages. Book now for their last spaces!
You can also book in for the Roladin workshop if you are quick enough – this is aimed at ages 5-10 years. They don’t allow children under 5.
Also check out Pat Bamelach workshops over the chanukah period.
These are certainly not edible but they are beautiful and all natural – make stunning soaps at The Soap Factory!
At Galita by Tzuba you can make chocolate in the spirit of Chanukah. (Kasher Lemehadrin) or get creative at Tomo Candy, making natural and delicious candy!
3. Experience the Old City during Chanukah!
ScaVentures will be running some fantastic Scavenger hunts during Chanukah – in the old city and elsewhere. Check their website for more details.
Tours of the old city – including all the famous sites, joining in the public lighting ceremony and seeing all the beautiful chanukiot in the old city. You even get a doughnut on some tours! They have in English depending on numbers. More details can be found on the Old City website. Or call *4987. Tours will run 12-19th December 16:00-18:00.
4. Workshops
Some of LoveLoveIsrael’s most popular workshops will be running over Chanukah. What makes these so great is that many of them work for all ages and they always make for fantastic family bonding time and you always come back with something great that you have made yourselves.
Click here for LoveLoveIsrael’s full list of workshops. You need to book in advance!
Ein Yael will be having a two special days of chanukah themed arts and crafts on Dec 9-10th 10:00-15:00.
5. Relive the Maccabean times!
Visit Neot Kedumim, where you will experience the Hasmonean era with special tours and activities including the chance to dress up in Hasmonean-style costume!
6. Chessed! Volunteering experiences
Chanukah is a great opportunity to give back and to think about others less fortunate. There are many opportunities around and you can look at a list of volunteering ideas here.
Special mention goes to this new eye-opening “Rolling Workshop” run by Beit Hagalgalim. Entrance fee is a donation straight towards the charity and the workshop they run really helps give you an appreciation into the incredible struggles people face doing everyday things. Over Chanukah you will eat donuts, spin the dreidel and light the Chanukiah – but in a way you haven’t experienced before. There are tours in English and Hebrew and it is suitable for all ages.
7. Museums
All around Israel the museums are running special events for Chanukah week.
In Jerusalem’s Science Museum, visit the Turning & Lightening special Chanukah activity for the whole family , supported by the Ministry of Science & Technology.
Other museums worth checking out over Chanukah are Madatech in Haifa, Carasso Museum in beer Sheva, Mahuti Museum in Tel Aviv, Technoda in Hadera, Hamachsan Shel Saba in Beit Meir, Ben Gurion’s house in the south.
The Police Heritage Museum in Beit Shemesh is opening up its doors for free from 9-13th December 9:00-15:00 with guided tours at 11:00 and 13:00.
8. National Heritage week
Special interactive events are being run to commemorate National Heritage week over Chanukah at 13 heritage sites across Israel. From 30th November until 10th December. Click here for a full list of the events.
