Happy Hanukkah!

Jews in Malibu and around the world will light the menorah tonight as part of the celebration of the first night of Hanukkah, a holiday that marks the victory of the underdog Maccabees over the Syrian-Greek military in defense of the Jewish homeland.

I might be Jewish, but I am in no position to tell the stories of the holidays on the Hebrew calendar. For more information on Hanukkah (there are a variety of ways to spell it, Malibu Patch chooses the Associated Press-suggested version except in Rabbi Levi Cunin's , am I really going to correct him?), go to read a piece by a qualified rabbi.

is hosting a Hanukkah party at 5:30 p.m. It is open to everybody, regardless of faith. All they ask is that you let them know you are coming by sending an email to office@jewishmalibu.com. Chabad of Malibu is located at 22933 Pacific Coast Highway.

The public Hanukkah celebration in Malibu will continue on Wednesday with a menorah lighting at the Malibu Lumber Yard from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and again on Thursday with another lighting at Malibu Colony Plaza from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Both those events are free.

Win $100K for Santa Monica-Malibu Schools

There are plenty of houses in Malibu that are decked-out for the holiday season with lights and other features. But nobody in this city has entered Patch's national contest that could win $100,000 for the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Why not?!

I know that Malibu can win this contest, but if we don't enter, it will be extremely difficult for victory to happen. So if you're house is looking great or if your neighbor's house has that "winning" look, make sure that you and everybody else in town enter.

Go here for more contest details, including how to participate.

Christmas Trees for Sale

If you haven't bought your Christmas tree yet, you better get on it! There are still about 50 trees (as of yesterday morning) remaining at the  Athletic Booster Club sale. It is taking place through Thursday (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.) in the large white tent at 29136 Pacific Coast Highway, near the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Heathercliff Road/Emily Shane Way.

There are also garlands, wreaths, Sharkwear and other school-themed gifts for sale as well as a sports and entertainment auction. All proceeds go to the booster club, which supports the athletic programs at Malibu High. 

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