Festivities light path for spirit of Hanukkah

By Pam Eubanks
| 5:00 a.m. December 2, 2009

East County
Neighbors

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Chabad of Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch will be holding several events to celebrate Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights.

Festivities kick off Dec. 3 with a special women’s crafting event and conclude Dec. 17 on Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

“Hanukkah is one of those holidays where it’s for the whole family, all ages, and it’s a wonderful event,” Rabbi Mendy Bukiet said. “It brings the community together.

“(Hanukkah) resembles the concept of bringing light into the world,” he said. “There’s no limit to how much light we can bring.”

Chabad’s first event — a pre-Hanukkah celebration for women — will be held at 7 p.m., Dec. 3, at Arts A Blaze Studio, 8111 Lakewood Main Street, #107. Attendees will enjoy a latke and doughnut bar while creating Hanukkah gifts for family and friends. Prices start at $15 for Jewish Women’s Council members and $20 for non-members.

“It’s for women to come out and have a great time and get in the (spirit),” Bukiet said.

Then on Dec. 9, the Jewish community will take that spirit across the Sunshine Skyway to watch the Tampa Bay Lightning battle the Edmonton Oilers at the St. Pete Times Forum. Events will kick off at 6 p.m., with a giant Menorah lighting and other pre-game Hanukkah festivities.

An adults-only Martini Hanukkah Party will follow at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 12, at the home of Brent and Ricki Rubin.

The Hanukkah Family Art Fest will be held from 11 a.m. to noon, Dec. 13, at the Chabad Jewish Center, 11509 Palmbrush Trail. Admission for the general public is $5 but free to Hebrew School students and families. Children and their families will have the opportunity to create Hanukkah art projects and gifts, including menorahs, dreidels, candles and Hanukkah T-shirts.

Finally, the Hanukkah celebration will come to an end with a grand Menorah lighting ceremony and concert at 6 p.m., Dec. 17, on Lakewood Ranch Main Street. The evening will offer attendees latkes and other concessions, arts and crafts and other festivities. Additionally, this year’s event will include a new feature — a 6-by-6-foot Dreidel House in which children will be able to hear the story of Hanukkah.

“This is the first time this has been done here,” Bukiet said. “It’s very exciting. This is a wonderful event. Everybody can enjoy themselves and have a great time.”

For more information about any of Chabad’s Hanukkah celebrations, contact Bukiet at 752-3030.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].

EVENTS
Jewish Women’s Council’s Pre-Hanukkah Celebration
WHEN: 7 p.m., Dec. 3
WHERE: Arts A Blaze Studio, 8111 Lakewood Main Street, #107
COST: $15 and up for JWC members; $20 and up for nonmembers

Jewish Heritage Night
WHEN: 6 p.m., Dec. 9
WHERE: St. Pete Times Forum
DETAILS: Menorah lighting at 6 p.m., pre-game Hanukkah festivities and seats to the Edmonton Oilers/Tampa Bay Lightning game.
COST: $20 includes terrace corner seat, a kosher hot dog with chips and a drink, a souvenir and access to pre-game Hanukkah festivities.
TICKETS: Alison Goodman, 813-301-6683 or www.jewishhockey.net
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Noon, Dec. 7

Hanukkah Family Art Fest
WHEN: 11 a.m. to noon, Dec. 13
WHERE: Chabad Jewish Center, 11509 Palmbrush Trail
COST: $5