Chanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, begins Dec. 16 and runs through Dec. 24.
Oakridge
Lubavitch B.C. is hosting a Chanukah toy drive for B.C. Children’s Hospital from Dec. 16 to 24.
Drop off new unwrapped toys in the lobby of the Lubavitch Centre, 5750 Oak St. Gifts can also be dropped off at the Menorah Lighting at the Vancouver Art Gallery (see below).
More information and a children’s wish list can be found at lubavitchbc.com.
Downtown
Chanukah in the City includes the lighting of Canada’s tallest menorah in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery Dec. 16.
Besides greetings from community leaders and politicians, participants can enjoy hot chocolate, latkes and donuts, as well as surprise performances. Bring an unwrapped toy for B.C. Children’s Hospital. The lighting takes place at 6 p.m. the first night of Chanukah. The celebration takes place near the corner of Georgia and Homer streets.
Oakridge
The Jewish Community Centre is hosting a Chanukah party Dec. 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with arts and crafts, bouncy castles, music featuring Harriet Frost, Israeli dance, Taekwondo demonstrations and an olive oil press workshop. Don’t forget to have your picture taken with David the Dreidel.
Riley Park
Skate with Elsa and Olaf, characters from the popular movie Frozen, at a special skating event Dec. 25 at the Hillcrest Ice Rink, 4575 Clancy Loranger Way.
Chabad East Van presents Frozen Chanukah on Ice, open exclusively to registered participants, from 3 to 5 p.m. Skaters can also enjoy latkes and donuts. To register visit chabadeastvan.com.
Fairview
Lights! Oil! Action!
More than 400 revellers are expected to attend the Vodka Latke Chanukah Party Dec. 20 at the Ohel Ya’akov Community Kollel, 1965 West Broadway, which starts at 8 p.m.
The community kollel is a meeting space that offers programs and events to combat the isolation and lack of resources that some say has made Jewish life in this city a challenge for so many.
Following the lighting of the Menorah, participants can enjoy drinks and treats from the Big Book of Jewish Guilty Pleasures. Visit thekollel.com for more information.
CHANUKAH HOLIDAY TREATS
According to Richard Wolak, editor/publisher of VancouverFoodster.com, when it comes to Chanukah treats such as latkes, jelly donuts and fresh apple sauce, look no further
than the following:
- Nava Creative Kosher Cuisine: 950 West 41st Ave.
- Solly’s with three locations: (sollysbagelry.com).
- Sabra Restaurant and Bakery: 3844 Oak St.
- Siegel’s Bagels with two locations: (siegelsbagels.com).
- Omnitsky’s Kosher Deli: 5775 Oak St.
- Cafe Forty One: 5750 Oak St.
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