WORCESTER With Thanksgiving and Black Friday in the background, Hanukkah, the eight-day festival of lights, is just around the corner. The Jewish holiday begins at sundown on Thursday and ends at sundown on Friday, December 15.
This holiday celebrates the victory of the Maccabees over their oppressors and a miracle where one jar of oil lasted eight nights. Now those eight nights are honored by lighting lamps Hanukkahor menorah.
Like many other holidays and traditions in the Jewish faith, Hanukkah has many delicious dishes, such as latkes. sufganiyot, or jelly-filled donuts. These fried treats are symbolic of the eight-day miracle, during which a single pot of oil burned for more than a week.
more:When is Hanukkah 2023? When it began, why it is celebrated, and how to honor Jewish tradition.
Where to get your latkes and sufganiyot
Worcester has several kosher delis and Jewish restaurants that serve traditional sweets year-round, not just for the holidays.
Chani’s Kosher Take-Out: 22 Newton Ave., Worcester
“Chani’s Kosher deli is the only kosher place in Central Mass. to buy anything for Hanukkah,” said Mendel Fogelman, rabbi of Chabad Lubavitch of Central Massachusetts and Chani’s owner. “The latkes are flying out the door for the next 12 days and nights.”
The Jewish Deli has been serving delicious kosher meals year-round since 2020 and raising funds for Central Mass Chabad by supporting after-school programs and scholarships.
The deli makes sufaniyot and latke fresh every morning.
Helfand’s Deli: 143 Highland St., Worcester
Bringing a traditional New York-style deli to Worcester, Helfand’s Deli serves latkes and knishes every day.
“We see steady business year-round,” said chef and owner Michael Sobel. “But this time of year, we’re definitely seeing an uptick in food supply.”
They offer catering options throughout the holiday season, from mini-latkes and mini-niche platters to noodle kugels. Please note that their menu is not kosher.
Chef Zobel grew up in Worcester, “watching his grandmother and mother make amazing Jewish specialties for her family and cooking for the seniors at the Worcester JCC.”
Hanukkah celebrations in the Worcester area
Menorah Lighting on Worcester Common: Thursday at 5 p.m
Kick things off this Thursday evening with the annual menorah lighting on Worcester Common. With food, music and fun for the whole family, it’s the perfect event to kick off the celebration.
Hanukkah Lighting and Erev Shabbat Service at Beth Tikvah Synagogue, Westborough: Friday 7 to 9 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to the service at Grafton Common for the menorah lighting at 6:30pm on Friday, and the synagogue will also live stream the service on their social media.
Kelley Square Menorah Lighting: Monday at 4:30 p.m
Hanukkah Celebration at Beth Israel: Sunday 4 to 7 p.m
Beth Israel on Jamesbury Drive will open its doors this holiday on Dec. 10 for a Hanukkah celebration. The organization celebrates with crafts, bingo, cookie decorating, a latke dinner and a gift exchange. The event will be held from 4 pm to 7:00 pm
Hanukkah celebration at Congregation B’nai Shalom
Hanukkah Shabbat Family Dinner and Service, Fri. December 8. 6:00 PM
Hanukkah Lights, Donuts and Sun on Concert. December 10. 4:30pm to 6:30pm
The good people at Congregation B’nai Shalom hold a number of events to celebrate the Festival of Lights.
Bring your appetite and the whole family to the pre-Hanukkah dinner. With a delicious deli-eats menu for kids, including latkes and chicken nuggets. The organization asks attendees to bring a menorah.
The family-friendly concert begins with donuts, hot chocolate and hot cider, followed by a menorah lighting event, songs and a movie for the youngsters in the audience.
Hanukkah Community Celebration and Concert
Shrewsbury Library Hanukkah Storytime: Wednesday, December 13. At 4:30 p.m
Bring the kids to Shrewsbury Library on Hanukkah afternoon. There are stories, songs and crafts for children ages 2-8. No registration required.
Hanukkah at Polar Park: Thursday, December 14. 5 to 8 p.m
The community is welcome to celebrate this Hanukkah. Attendance is free, and organizers ask people to register in advance.
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