This year, Hanukkah (or is it Chanukah?!) begins early. While you may not feel quite ready to start lighting menorah candles and spinning dreidels in late November, the holiday beckons us to get going with our festive gatherings, our rituals, our expressions of gratitude and joy, and our eating and sharing of delicious (aka greasy) foods. That doesn’t sound too bad to us!
The word “Hanukkah” itself means “dedication.” Just as the Maccabees rededicated the Temple altar after defeating the Greeks and re-lit the menorah, we, too, can use this precious time to rededicate ourselves to who and what matter most.
Wherever you find yourself over the eight days of Hanukkah—be it in the DMV or somewhere else—there are plenty of ways to get involved and make this year’s celebration fun, meaningful and most importantly, bright.
We hope this guide will serve as a comprehensive resource for all of your Hanukkah 2021 needs, no matter how you celebrate.
Whether you are looking for communal candle lightings, parties, DIY rituals, local gifts, special Hanukkah recipes from Jewish communities around the world, or thought pieces on the deeper meaning of the holiday and how to observe Hanukkah in a variety of cultural contexts, we’ve got you covered.
No matter what, our lives in these increasingly dark and cold days can always use more light. Let’s use this year’s Festival of Lights to be that light for one another in all the ways that we know how. This list will be regularly updated, so please check back often for new events and celebration ideas.
Wishing you a happy, healthy and light-filled Hanukkah.
Love,
Rabbi Ilana & the GatherDC team
P.S. Know of any Hanukkah programming we missed? Or maybe you’re hosting something you want to promote to 20s and 30s in the DMV?
Add the event to our calendar
