DOWNTOWN — Hanukkah, the eight-day Festival of Lights celebrated by Israelis and Jews around the world, begins at sundown Friday.
Families across the region will gather to light one candle of the menorah and recite blessings to God to commemorate an improbable victory over invaders who debased the temple in Jerusalem.
Hanukkah this year begins and ends on the Jewish Sabbath, requiring minor liturgical changes. Still, holiday traditions of candles, gifts and jelly doughnuts will stay the same.
The following celebrations are planned across Burbank, Glendale and the Foothills:
Chabad Burbank Jewish Center: Hanukkah celebrations at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Jewish Center, and 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Burbank Town Center. For more information, visit www.chabadburbank.com.
Burbank Temple Emanu El: Hanukkah Shabbat evening service at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Hanukkah Shabbat morning service at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, and a Havdalah and potluck at 6:15 p.m. Saturday. Visit www.btee.org for more information.
Temple Beth Emet: Shabbat services begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday followed by the annual Hanukkah celebration at noon Saturday. E-mail the office at Office@TempleBethEmet.com or call (818) 843-4787 for more information.
Temple Sinai of Glendale: Shabbat Service followed by Oneg Shabbat from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday. Tot Shabbat, a special service for pre-schoolers and their parents or grandparents, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday. Chanukah Dinner from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday in the Social Hall. Visit www.temple-sinai.net for more information.
Chabad of Glendale and the Foothill Communities: Hanukkah festival at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Glendale Galleria outside Crown Books. The event includes the lighting of a 9-foot menorah. Visit www.chabadcenter.org for more information.
The Americana at Brand: The public is invited from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday to celebrate the tradition of Hanukkah. The afternoon will feature a musical performance by children’s group Parachute Express; an appearance by storyteller Rebecca Martin and arts and crafts sponsored by the Skirball Cultural Center.
