There will be two menorah lighting events in The Villages for Hanukkah.
The events will be led by members of Temple Shalom of Central Florida, who will be joined by Rabbi Zev Sonnenstein and the Temple Shalom Choir in retelling the story of the Miracle of Hanukkah.
Hanukkah (also Chanukah) is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “Festival of Lights” celebrated with nightly menorah lighting and special prayers to celebrate the recovery of Jerusalem and the re-dedication of the Second Temple at the start of the Maccabean revolt.
The two official events will take place in the following squares in The Villages:
- Sunday, Dec. 29 at 2 p.m. at Brownwood Paddock Square.
- Monday, Dec. 30 at 2 p.m. at Spanish Springs Town Square.
All are welcome to the event, which is free to attend.
Attendees can also expect traditional songs, music, and dancing. Children will also be asked to join along in festivities, which include celebrating with a dancing menorah, dreidel, and traditional jelly donut.
Members of Temple Shalom will light menorahs every night of the holiday in Spanish Springs, Brownwood, Sumter Landing, and Middleton. Menorahs will also be on display at every recreation center.