This year, AARC will be returning to our long-cherished tradition of home-hosted Hanukkah gatherings! For those of you who are new to our congregation, the tradition includes visiting each other’s houses to celebrate in different ways over the 8 days of Hanukkah. Some events are hosted by families and are kid-friendly, some are events targeted towards adults, and everything in-between. It is a wonderful way to spend time together and get to know each other better. This year we are hoping to have a mix of online and in-person opportunities. I hope that you will find time this year to participate in at least one night of Home-Hosted Hanukkah.
Here are some examples of Hanukkah events that you could host, with helpful links:
- Latke Night: How to Throw a Latke Party, So You Can Eat More Latkes
- Sufganyot Making Night: Clare Kinberg has hosted this event in the past, here is her blog with recipe and pictures included!
- Hanukkah Cocktail Hour: Here is a cocktail for every night of Hanukkah; they look delicious! (Online or Zoom works for this one!)
- White Elephant Gift Exchange: This will take some commitment and planning, but a white elephant gift exchange is a super fun way to get something you never knew you wanted!
- Family Hanukkah Craft Party: Gather up some craft supplies and host families with younger children for a Hanukkah Craft Party! Here is a blog with loads of ideas!
- Hanukkah potluck: There’s nothing easier than a BYOFood party. We can set up a Signup Genius for you so that everyone doesn’t bring latkes! Here are some helpful suggestions for a successful Hanukkah potluck from Chowhound.
- Hanukkah Brisket Dinner: If you like to host a dinner party, sign up to have friends over for a delicious brisket dinner.
- Host a ZOOM trivia night: Last year Marcy Epstein seriously stumped us on the Hanukkah trivia; I declare a rematch!
- Online Hanukkah Story Telling: Read one of the Hanukkah classics and make it as simple or elaborate as you like!
- Hanukkah Art Workshop: Lead a creative art workshop for adults and/or children! Here is a blog about the art workshop led by Carol Levin and Idelle Hammond-Sass last year.
- To get a feel for the tradition, check out our pre-COVID Home -Hosted Hanukkah blog from 2019 here.
