Hanukkah Happenings
Events + Programs
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J Candle Lightings
BBYO - 2nd Night Candle Lighting
Monday, November 29
J Staff - 5th Night Candle Lighting
Thursday, December 2
JCare - Shabbat & 6th Night Candle Lighting
Friday, December 3
Member Appreciation Week!
November 29 - December 6
As the end of 2021 comes near, we want to say thank you to all of our members. We are so grateful for your support! Stop by the lobby the week of November 29 for latke and sufganiyot treats and fun giveaways!
Family Programs

Hershel & the Hanukkah Goblins
Friday, November 19 – Monday, December 6 virtually
Hershel is back! Enjoy this special streaming offering from the comfort of your home. Best enjoyed by kids 5+ years old. Virtual tickets are $11/device

Hanukkah Hot Chocolate 1K/5K Run
Sunday, December 5 from 8-9:45am
The Hanukkah Hot Chocolate 5K/1K Fun Run is back in person this year! All ages, faiths, and abilities are invited to join us at their own pace along the beautiful Rillito River path, starting and ending at the J. Enjoy the company of our community and a steamy cup of hot chocolate at the finish line. Participants receive a race shirt; winners will get a commemorative mug. Register now through Nov 29.

Shalom Baby Hanukkah Story + Play Time
Sunday, December 5 from 10-11am
A fun and FREE event for families with children 3 years and under. Participants will enjoy age-appropriate play and Hanukkah-themed PJ Library read-alouds.

JFest - Hanukkah Concert with Mister G and Friends
Monday, December 6 at 5:30pm
Join Latin Grammy Award-winning musician Mister G and his international band of Jewish music-makers from Israel, Mexico, and Argentina for a family-friendly Hanukkah concert, filled with ruach (spirit). A free program by the Virtual J (registration required).
Adult Programs

Itzahk Free Virtual Screening Presented by the Tucson International Jewish Film Festival
Sunday, November 28 at 5pm - Monday, December 6 at 5pm
Whether you’ve been a Festival-goer for 30 years or January 2022 will be your first year joining us, the Tucson International Jewish Film Festival wishes our patrons a Happy Hanukkah! During the week of Hanukkah we invite you to stream the brilliant documentary, Itzhak, at no cost. You can view the details about the film and reserve your free virtual ticket (limited to 300 households) by clicking the button below.

JFest - Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights
Wednesday, December 1 at 6pm
Eight female international Jewish artists, including singer Tair Haim of A-Wa, Italian chef Sylvia Nacamulli, and dancer Rachel Linsky, will share their unique creations inspired by hanukkiot (Hanukkah menorahs) in the MFA Judaica collection, among the largest such collections in a major American museum. An unforgettable evening of performance, learning, and artistic engagement is in store for all ages. A free program by the Virtual J (registration required).

Blewish - A Short Film + Discussion with Filmmaker Ezra Edmond
Thursday, December 2 at 7:30pm
Ezra Edmond is a writer, producer and animation producer. In his recent creative project, Blewish, he tells the story of growing up with Black and Jewish identities.During our 45 minutes together, we will view Ezra’s short Blewish, be in a moderated Q+A with Ezra and close with a communal Hanukkah candle lighting. Participants are invited to have their menorah and 6 candles (one for each of the 5 nights and a shamash) to join in the lighting
$10 per household via Zoom.

Hanukkah Hot Chocolate 1K/5K Run
Sunday, December 5 from 8-9:45am
You’re invited to join us for the 4th annual Hanukkah Hot Chocolate Fun Run at the J! All ages and abilities are invited to join us at their own pace along the beautiful Rillito River path and enjoy a steamy cup of hot chocolate at the finish line. Participants receive a race shirt; winners will get a commemorative mug. This event is open to the public. Register now through Nov 23.
Member Price $40 / Regular Price $50

Z3 2021: Futures Workshop | Reimagining Diaspora Relations
Sunday, December 5 from 9:30am-3:30pm
Join us for a conference that asks us to reimagine a plausible future relationship between Israel and Diaspora Jewry and explore ways to come together to ensure a continued sense of Peoplehood. Z3 is a signature experience of the Oshman Family JCC (OFJCC) in Palo Alto. The event takes place every year during Hanukkah — “Making Miracles Here and There” or “נס גדול היה פה ושם” is a wordplay on the two letters that differentiate Israel and the Diaspora’s dreidels. The miracle happened “here”/“פה” to represent Israel’s dreidel, the miracle happened “there”/“שם”, to represent the Diaspora’s dreidel. Rather than continue to have two different dreidels, we envision a future with one dreidel: where we acknowledge and elevate the idea that both the State of Israel and a vibrant Jewish world are essential for the destiny of the Jewish People.