Hanukkah 2023

Hanukkah 2023

Hanukkah begins at sundown on Thursday, December 7th, 2023 and goes until Friday, December 15th, 2023. 

Please join us for candle-lighting, latkes, music, and crafts!

Hanukkah 2023 fridge flyer

Hanukkah Happenings

Join Temple Israel for these great community Hanukkah celebrations!

<!–Download the Hanukkah Fridge Flyer–>

TIP In the News

Below, see our 2022 events. Watch for updates for 2023!

Join us each night for candle lighting in the courtyard!

Temple Israel Portsmouth Community comes together each night to light our “Hands of Hope” Menorah created by sculptor Sumner Winebaum in the Courtyard.

In case of inclement weather, candle lighting will take place indoors, in the Shmoozatorium.

Night #1, Sunday, December 18th, 5:30pm, led by Shelley Hartz

Night #2, Monday, December 19th, 5:30pm, led by Fran Berman

Night #3, Tuesday, December 20th, 5:30pm

Night #4, Wednesday, December 21st, 5:00pm, indoors in Social Hall – led by the Hebrew School as part of Community Hanukkah Celebration – registration not required!

Night #5, Thursday, December 22nd, 5:30pm – Rabba Kaya Stern-Kaufman will lead an interfaith group in prayer and song.

Night #6, Friday, December 23rd, 3:30pm – Tot Shabbat & Family Candle Lighting, led by Rabba Kaya. Please register.

Night #7, Saturday, December 24th, 5:30pm – Havdalah followed by Hanukkah candle lighting, dinner & a movie! Please register. 

Night #8, Sunday, December 25th, 5:30pm

PJ Our Way DIY Crayon Candles

Sunday, December 11th, 3:00pm
Private Home, North Hampton, NH

9-12 year olds – Join us for a fun afternoon of making your own candles to use for Chanukah! Snacks and games also provided.

Email Dinah Berch with questions.

Register

Teen Group Hanukkah Board Painting

Come hang out with Jewish teens from around the seacoast while you make a truly “one-of-a-kind” gift for your family, BFF, or just to put in your room!

Hanukkah Story Hour with SAACC at Discover Portsmouth

Sunday, December 18th, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
10 Middle Street, Portsmouth

Families with young children are invited to attend a special Hanukkah story hour hosted by the Seacoast African American Cultural Center in conjunction with their exhibit about community holiday traditions. Congregants Fran Berman (guitar) and Deborah Levine (flute) will read a story and play some Hanukkah songs! Temple Israel has contributed a tabletop display to the exhibit. All are welcome to attend! This event takes place at the Discover Portsmouth center, 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth.

Questions? Please contact Deborah Levine, artsreview@templeisraelnh.org.

Community Chanukah Party

Wednesday, December 21st | 5:00pm

Please join us for latkes, dreidels, music with Lisa Lipkin and Jay Hitt, and a massive group candle lighting. Bring your favorite Hanukkiah and candles and enjoy Hanukkah in community.

Register Here

From the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire

Join the Chanukah Card Exchange - DEADLINE DECEMBER 8TH!

Help us bring the light to Chanukah with a card exchange! We’re looking for PJ families who are interested in sending a card to Jewish Seniors in New Hampshire. Draw a picture, write a card or use this PJ Library downloadable card template – it’s up to you! You will receive a card back in return.

Join the Card Exchange

PJ Library Hanukkah Hub

For more resources on celebrating the holiday, visit the PJ Library Holiday Hub!