WORCESTER — Hanukkah, the eight-day festival of lights, has arrived against the backdrop of Thanksgiving and Black Friday. The Jewish holiday begins at sunset on Thursday and ends at sunset on December 15th.
This holiday celebrates the victory of the Maccabees over their oppressors and the miracle of one jar of oil lasting eight nights. Today, his eight nights are celebrated with the lighting of the Hanukkiah, or menorah.
Like many other Jewish holidays and traditions, Hanukkah is filled with delicious meals such as latkes and sufganiyot, or jelly-filled donuts. These fries are an ode to his eight-day miracle in which one jar of oil kept his fire burning for more than a week.
more:When is Hanukkah in 2023? When does it start, why is it celebrated, and how to honor Jewish traditions?
Where to get Latkes and Sufganiyot
Worcester is home to several kosher delis and Jewish restaurants that serve traditional treats not just for the holidays but year-round.
Chani's Kosher Takeout: 22 Newton Ave., Worcester
“Chani's Kosher Deli is the only kosher store in central Massachusetts where you can buy anything kosher for Hanukkah,” said Rabbi Mendal Fogelman. Chabad Lubavitch (Central Massachusetts) And the owner of Chani. “Ratkes will continue to fly outside for the next 12 days and nights.''
Since 2020, this Jewish deli has been serving delicious kosher food year-round, raising money for Chabad-Lubavitch of Central Massachusetts and supporting after-school programs and scholarships.
The deli makes fresh sufganiyot and latkes every morning.
Helfand's Deli: 143 Highland St., Worcester
Bringing traditional New York-style deli to Worcester, Helfand's Deli serves latkes and knishes daily.
“We see steady business throughout the year,” chef and owner Michael Sobel said. “But at this time of year, catering is definitely on the rise.”
they offer catering From trays of mini latkes and mini knishes to noodle kugel, we have a variety of options available throughout the holidays. Please note that their menu is not kosher.
Sobel grew up in Worcester and “watched my grandmother and mother cook great Jewish food for the family and for the elderly at the Worcester JCC.”
Hanukkah Celebrations in the Worcester Area
Lighting of the Menorah on Worcester Common: Thursday 5pm
Events begin this Thursday night with the annual menorah lighting on Worcester Common. With food, music, and fun for the whole family, it's the perfect way to kick off your celebrations.
Hanukkah lighting and Erev Shabbat service At Beth Tikvah Synagogue in Westboro: Friday from 7 to 9 p.m.
All are welcome to attend the lighting of the menorah on Friday at 6:30pm on Grafton Common. The synagogue plans to live stream the service. Social media.
kelly square menorah lighting: December 11th 4:30pm
Hanukkah Celebration at Congregation Beth Israel: December 10th from 4pm to 7pm
Beth Israel, located on Jamesbury Drive, will open its doors to all this holiday for a Hanukkah celebration on December 10th. The organization celebrates with crafts, bingo, cookie decorating, a latke dinner, gift exchange, and more.The event will be held from 4 to 7 p.m.
Hanukkah Celebration at Congregation B’nai Shalom
Hanukkah Shabbat Family Dinner and Worship, Dec. 8, 6 p.m.
Hanukkah Lights, Donuts and Concert, Dec. 10, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
The Sisters of B'nai Shalom are hosting numerous events to celebrate the Festival of Lights.
Enjoy a Hanukkah pre-service dinner for the whole family to work up an appetite. We have a delicious deli menu including latkes and chicken nuggets for the kids. The organization is asking participants to bring a menorah.
The family-friendly concert event begins with donuts, hot chocolate and mulled cider, followed by a menorah lighting event, sing-alongs and movies aimed at the youth in the audience.
Hanukkah Community Celebration and Concert
Hanukkah Storytime at Shrewsbury Library: December 13th 4:30pm
Take the kids to the Shrewsbury Library and spend an afternoon learning all about Hanukkah. There are stories, songs, arts and crafts for children ages 2 to 8. Registration is not required.
Hanukkah at Polar Park: December 14th from 5pm to 8pm
The community is welcome to celebrate this Hanukkah event. Participation is free, but organizers are asking participants to: register Beforehand.
