Hanukkah 2012 in Cherry Hill

Hanukkah starts on the Hebrew calendar date of 25 Kislev and lasts for eight days. For those of us who aren't attuned to the Jewish calendar, that translates to sundown on Saturday, Dec. 8.

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the story of the Maccabean Revolt against Syrian rulers in present day Israel 2,300 years ago. The Maccabees wanted to rededicate Jerusalem's main temple but had only enough oil to kindle the Eternal Light for one day. The oil lasted for eight days, according to the story, and the holiday of Hanukkah was born.

Today, Jews generally celebrate by gathering together with family, lighting one candle on the menorah each of the eight nights, playing dreidel and eating special holiday foods such as potato latkes and babka.

Hanukkah Highlights Locally

In addition to regular services at the township's synagogues, here are some of the Hanukkah events happening over the course of the eight days:

Temple Beth Sholom

Mitch Albom, author of Tuesdays With Morrie, will speak about his new book, The Time Keeper, at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Beth Sholom on Thursday, Dec. 13.

Temple Emanuel

The temple is hosting a chicken and latke dinner, with a sing-along, crafts and an interactive storytelling session starting at 6:15 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, and a havdalah and candle lighting, along with a puppet show and pizza and dessert at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15. Each event is $5 per person, and reservations are required—check the temple's website for more information.

Chabad Lubavitch

The annual car menorah parade leaves from the Chabad Center on Kresson Road at 5 p.m. Sunday, destined for the menorah lighting at Saraha Sam's.

The Chabad Center will host a lighting of the 18-foot menorah at Barclay Farms Shopping Center Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Congregation Ner Tamid

A family Hanukkah party kicks off the holiday at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 8. Reservations are required—see the congregation's website for more information.

Katz JCC

The JCC will host a day of family fun Sunday, Dec. 9, from 1 to 3 p.m., which will include a dreidel tournament and menorah-themed crafts. Admission is $10.

To close out the holiday, the JCC will host a young families event for parents with children between the ages of 3 and 6, which will include menorah decorating, a sing-along and latkes. Admission is $10 for non-members and free for full facility members.

TELL US: If you observe Hanukkah, what are your plans?