Chanukah calendar 2012/5773

SAT | DEC 1

MIXOLOGY 101: HANUKOCKTAILS

Enjoy this evening as a date night or a chance to catch up with old friends and mingle with new ones while mixing delicious drinks. Sat. 8 p.m. $30 (drinks and appetizers included). Kehillat Israel, 16019 Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades. (310) 459-2328. kehillatisrael.org.

SUN | DEC 2

AMERICANA HANUKKAH

The Skirball’s annual family festival celebrates freedom, justice and democracy. Performers include puppeteer and storytelling troupe Story Pirates, pop-rock band the Macaroons, the Marcus Shelby Quintet, storyteller Karen Golden and klezmer-gypsy band Kalinka. Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $10 (general), $7 (seniors, full-time students). Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles. (310) 440-4500. skirball.org.

JGSLA HANNUKAH PARTY

This Jewish Genealogical Society of Los Angeles event also includes a discussion on “Finding Living People on the Internet” with Ron Arons and “Ask the Experts.” Sun. 1 p.m. Free. University Synagogue, 11960 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. (818) 433-6599. jgsla.org.

FIESTA CHANUKAH PARTY

It has been nearly 20 years since the Chanukah lights have been lit inside the Breed Street Shul. Today’s celebration includes latkes and churros to eat, dreidels to play with, cookie decorating for the kids and tours of the campus. Sun. 1:30-4:30 p.m. $36 (adults), $18 (ages 13 and under). The Breed Street Shul, 247 N. Breed St., Los Angeles. (323) 881-4850. breedstreetshul.org/tickets. 

HANUKKAH FESTIVAL

Join the Zimmer Museum for a light-themed activities including story time, holiday crafts and more. Sun. $8 (adults), $5 (children) 12:30-5 p.m. Zimmer Children’s Museum, 6505 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 100, Los Angeles. (323) 761-8984. zimmermuseum.org.

WED | DEC 5

NINTH ANNUAL HANUKKAH PARTY

Join the W Group for happy-hour food and drinks, a raffle and hors d’oeuvres. Proceeds benefit Jewish World Watch. Wed. 7-10 p.m. $25 (pre-sale), $40 (door). Sur Lounge, 612 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood. (310) 476-8561. wisela.org/w-group-calendar.

THU | DEC 6

CHANUKAH FREYLEKH

Yiddish song, Yiddish dance and an art show highlight the festivities. Refreshments served. Proceeds benefit the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Thu. 7:30 p.m. $10-$20 (sliding scale donation). Workmen’s Circle, 1525 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 552-2007. circlesocal.org.

“TACKLING DIVERSITY IN DECEMBER”

Wondering how to talk to your child about the diversity of holidays that bombard them in December? Join IKAR’s Rabbi Rebecca Rosenthal and Beth Weisman for a tonight’s discussion. Thu. 7:30-9 p.m. Free. IKAR Early Childhood Center, 1564 S. Burnside Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 634-1870. ikar-la.org.

FRI | DEC 7

NASHUVA/JEWISH FEDERATION TOY DIVE

For the fourth year in a row, progressive community Nashuva and The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles are joining forces to collect toys for distribution to children all over L.A. County for the holidays. Please bring new toys and books to Nashuva. Volunteers requested to take the donated toys and books from Nashuva and deliver them to The Jewish Federation. Fri. 6:30 p.m. Free. Brentwood Presbyterian Church, 12000 W. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles. nashuva.com.

SAT | DEC 8

WESTFIELD VALENCIA TOWN CENTER

Join local synagogues for a menorah lighting, music, games and refreshments in Town Center Square. 6 p.m. Westfield Valencia Town Center, 24201 W. Valencia Blvd., Valencia. westfield.com/valencia.

CHABAD OF MALIBU

Join Chabad of Malibu for a concert with the band Moshav, a public menorah lighting and latkes. 6:30 p.m. (VIP cocktail reception). 7:30 p.m. (concert). $25 (concert), $250 (VIP reception and concert). Malibu City Hall, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu. (310) 456-6588. jewishmalibu.com.

SUN | DEC 9

SANTA MONICA PLACE

Beth Shir Shalom’s Rabbi Neil Comess-Daniels and Cantor Diane Rose will be on the main stage as visitors enjoy music, arts and crafts and latkes in a celebration of Chanukah. Sun. 10 a.m. Free. The Market at Santa Monica Place, dining deck on level 3, 295 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica. (310) 453-3361. bethshirshalom.org/community/events-calendar.

SILVERLAKE INDEPENDENT JCC FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Don’t miss a fun-filled day for the whole family. Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Silverlake Independent JCC, 1110 Bates Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 663-2255. sijcc.net.

ISRAELI SCOUTS

Join the Israeli Scouts, the Israel Leadership Council and Ha’bait Ha’Israeli at a Chanukah happening. Arts and crafts, music and a kids show make this a party for the entire family. All ages. Sun. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Masonic Lodge, 2244 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 304-0708. jewishla.org.

ORT CHANUKAH BRUNCH

ORT America recognizes the achievements of Ann Spicer, a Holocaust survivor and ORT supporter. Other guests include keynote speaker David Suissa, Tribe Media Corp/Jewish Journal president, and concert pianist Marrina. Sun. 11 a.m. $180. Beverly Hills Hotel, Rodeo Ballroom, 9641 W. Sunset Blvd., Beverly Hills. (323) 966-0092. ortamerica.org.

WESTFIELD FASHION SQUARE CENTER

Chabad of Sherman Oaks partners with Westfield Fashion Square for a menorah lighting, Chanukah sand art, live music, dancing, food, games and a performance by the Chabad Hebrew School. 2-4 p.m. Westfield Fashion Square, 14006 Riverside Drive, Sherman Oaks. chabadso.com.

FARMERS MARKET HANUKKAH CELEBRATION

The Farmers Market hosts children’s activities, a “Chanukah Pajamikah” performance with cantorial soloist Doda Mollie and a menorah lighting ceremony. Sun. 2:30-5 p.m. Free. The Original Farmers Market, 6333 W. Third St., Los Angeles. (323) 933-9211. farmersmarketla.com/special_events/index.asp.

UNIVERSAL CITYWALK

Chabad of the Valley partners with Universal CityWalk to host the 11th annual “Festival of Lights” celebration. Featuring a concert performance by 8th Day. 6 p.m. Free. Universal CityWalk Hollywood, 100 Universal City Plaza, Los Angeles. chabadofthevalley.org.

“A CANTOR’S JOYFUL JOURNEY”

Cantor Jen Roher headlines tonight’s concert at Temple Ahavat Shalom. Other performers include Cantors Leigh Korn, Barbara Ostfeld, Bruce Ruben and Patti Linsky. Sun. 7 p.m.$25 (general), $10 (students). Temple Ahavat Shalom, 18200 Rinaldi Place, Northridge. (818) 360-2258. tasnorthridge.org/cantorsconcert.php.

MON | DEC 10

CSUN CHABAD

The Department of Jewish Studies joins CSUN Chabad for a public menorah lighting, latkes, dreidel games, doughnuts and gelt. 5 p.m. In front of the Oviatt Library at California State University, Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. chabadcsun.com.

DEMOCRATS OF ISRAEL-LOS ANGELES

The organization hosts a Chanukah party, featuring food, entertainment and a candle-lighting ceremony. The event also celebrates President Obama’s forthcoming inauguration. Mon. 7-9 p.m. $20. Workmen’s Circle, 1525 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles. (818) 389-5854. dfi-la.org.

TUE | DEC 11

KEHILLAT MA’ARAV CANDLELIGHTING AND DINNER

After the 6 p.m. lighting of the chanukiyah on Third Street Promenade, everyone walks to dinner at Trastevere Italian Restaurant. Dinners must be pre-paid. Tue. 6 p.m. $20 (adults), $10 (kids 4-12), free (ages 3 and under). Trastevere, 1360 Third St., Santa Monica. (310) 829-0566. km-synagogue.org.

OHR HATORAH CELEBRATION

The congregation’s religious school kids take the stage for a holiday musical performance. The Ohr HaTorah band also performs. Dinner included. Tue. 6 p.m. Ohr HaTorah Congregation, 11827 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 915-5200. ohrhatorah.org.

COMMONS AT CALABASAS

Menorah lighting, fireworks, music, jelly donuts, latkas and more. Tue. 6:30 p.m. Free. The Commons at Calabasas, 4799 Commons Way, Calabasas. (818) 724-7485. calabasasshul.org/chanuka-ceremony.

WED | DEC 12

“FINDING THE LIGHT…THE SPIRITUALITY OF DARK DAYS”

Come for an evening of food and wisdom as Rabbi Mark Borovitz teaches about using the light of the Maccabees to fend off the darkness in our world. Wed. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free (RSVP by Dec. 5). Beit T’Shuvah. 8831 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 204-5200. beittshuvah.org.

THU | DEC 13

NORTHRIDGE FASHION CENTER

Enjoy a public menorah lighting and holiday festivities on the upper-level, near Ben Bridge Jeweler. Sponsored by Temple Ahavat Shalom. 6:30 p.m. Northridge Fashion Center, 9301 Tampa Ave., Northridge. northridgefashioncenter.com.

LIGHT THE NIGHT

Enjoy a community Chanukah celebration, live music and a latke dinner. Thu. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $25 (adult), $18 (ages 3-13), free (ages 0-2). Shomrei Torah Synagogue, 7353 Valley Circle Blvd., West Hills. (818) 346-0811. stsonline.org.

BINA LA HANUKKAH BALL

Enjoy jelly donuts and chocolate gelt at a holiday dessert table, create lasting memories with photo booth fun, enjoy libations at the open bar (8-10 p.m.) and prepare for many more surprises. Bring a new and unwrapped toy for charity and enter to win prizes. Ages 25-45. Thu. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $18 (pre-sale), $35 (door). Leonardo’s, 831 S. La Brea Blvd., Los Angles. binala.org/bina-events/hanukkah-ball-2012.

SAT | DEC 15

CHANUKAH DINNER DANCE

Makom Ohr Shalom’s celebration features latkes, chef Rico Mandel in the kitchen and music by D.J. Franky Dee. Sat. 7:30-11:30 p.m. $20. Bethel Lutheran Church, 17500 Burbank Blvd., Encino. (818) 725-7600. makom.org/chanukah_dance_2012_R1.pdf.

SUN | DEC 16

CHINESE FOOD AND LATKES

A Chinese food buffet and book signing with Rabbi Joshua Paul, author of “A Kosher Christmas,” are among the highlights. Sun. 4-6 p.m. $20. Wilshire Boulevard Temple, 11611 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 445-1280. wbtla.org.