For list of public menorah lightings see page 10.
friday/23
Revving up for Hanukkah. Celebrate the Festival of Lights with some of the leading lights on the Jewish music scene. The Nigunim Community Chorus, performing traditional and contemporary Jewish folk music in Hebrew, Yiddish, English and Ladino, is joined on the bill by poet-rapper Jake Marmer, klezmer violinist David Chernyavsky, vocalist Renee Benmeleh, the Kvetchy Cowboys and storyteller Joel ben Izzy. It’s a fun night for the entire community, with candlelighting, holiday treats and surprises.
8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23 at Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse, 2020 Addison St., Berkeley. $25-$27. www.thefreight.org
saturday/24
Latke Ball 2016. Hanukkah bash for young adults with sufganiyot, signature cocktails and DJ Ben Gershen. Proceeds go to local and global Jewish programs. 21 and older. At Ruby Skye, 420 Mason St., S.F. 9 p.m. $35-$45, $15 more for VIP ticket. www.jewishfed.org/news/events/latke-ball-2016
sunday/25
Hanukkah party. Second-night celebration with menorah lighting, Chinese dinner, arts and crafts for kids and a 24-minute animated Hanukkah film. At Congregation Chevra Thilim, 751 25th Ave., S.F. 4 p.m. $12-$20 members, $15-$25 nonmembers. www.sfshul.org
tuesday/27
“Ladies’ Night Out.” Hanukkah event with latkes, spiritual discussion, gift exchange and making a bottle of essential oils. Jewish Women’s Circle of Oakland. Location given with RSVP. 7:30 p.m. $18 suggested donation plus a wrapped gift for exchange. www.tinyurl.com/jwc-oakland
“Fourth Night Hanukkah Pop-Up.” Family event with latkes, menorah lighting, crafts, dreidel, Hanukkah stories and songs. Hosted by Kesher, PJ Library, Marin JCC Camp. At Diesel Bookstore, Marin Country Mart, 2275 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur. 4:30 p.m. Free, but RSVP requested. www.tinyurl.com/marin-fourth
wednesday/28
“Hanukkah in the Castro.” Congregation Sha’ar Zahav’s outdoor celebration with food, candlelighting, community sing-along and music by the Gay Iz Mir klezmer band. At Jane Warner Plaza, 17th and Castro streets, S.F. 6 p.m. Free. www.tinyurl.com/csz-hanukkah2016
Hanukkah Story Slam. Fifth-night celebration includes menorah lighting, latkes and attendees sharing five-minute personal stories. At the Redwood Café, 8240 Old Redwood Highway, Cotati. 6 p.m. Free. www.tinyurl.com/bigtent-sonoma
thursday/29
Community Hanukkah party. All-ages celebration with latkes and sufganiyot, arts and crafts, a magic show, raffles, dreidel, mahjong, poker and black jack. Child care available. At B’nai Israel Jewish Center, 740 Western Ave., Petaluma. 6 p.m. Free. www.bnaiisrael.net
“Spin ’Til You Win.” Dreidel tournament for cash prizes. With appetizers and drinks. At Chabad of Contra Costa, 1671 Newell Ave., Walnut Creek. 7 p.m. $50 per player, $90 for two. www.jewishcontracosta.com
Hanukkah Train. Hour-long ride on Roaring Camp Railroad that includes kosher refreshments, stories and dreidel games. Sponsored by Chabad by the Sea. Meet at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. 6:15 p.m. $25-$31. www.roaringcamp.com/events#chanukah
JYP Hanukkah Celebration. Jewish Young Professionals event hosted by Chabad SF-SoMa Shul. At Positively 6th St., 496 Natoma St., S.F. 7 p.m. $15-$25. www.tinyurl.com/jyp-chanukah-2016
friday/30
Secular Jewish Hanukkah. Tri-Valley Cultural Jews host holiday celebration with latkes, songs and menorah lighting. Bring children’s books for ages 4-9 to donate to the Jewish Coalition for Literacy book drive. At a private home in Livermore. 6 p.m. Free tickets at https://goo.gl/Ti4i6O or RSVP to Amy at catandchickens@gmail.com.
saturday/31
New Year’s Eve Hanukkah celebration. Community event with drinks, dinner and music by the Jamberries. Bring menorahs and a vegetarian potluck dish. At Or Shalom Jewish Community, 625 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco. 6 p.m. Free, but RSVP required. www.tinyurl.com/orshalom-hanukkah2016
save the date
Feast of Jewish Learning
Jan. 21 at Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills
JFCS Emigre Gala
Feb. 4 in San Francisco
