Today we’re sharing how my Chandler family celebrates Hanukkah, and a few local celebrations to celebrate the holiday of lights.
Though Hanukkah and Christmas have many overlapping themes, such as: family, gratitude, gift giving and love. There are many things that make Hanukkah unique.
Hanukkah is the celebration of the victory the Jewish people had over the Greek army in Judea in the 2nd Century BCE. During the war between the Jewish people and the Greek army- the Menorah that was lit in the Second Temple in Jerusalem, was broken and all the oil used to light the Menorah was spilled.
A great miracle happened when rebuilding the temple. A small vat of oil was found, with the small amount of oil left the Menorah was able to be repaired and was able to be lit again for 8 days while the remainder of the temple was rebuilt.
To this day Jewish families all over the world celebrate this miracle by lighting a menorah in their home for 8 nights.
Keep reading for how my family celebrate, and ways you can introduce the holiday to your family.
XO,
Deena
East Valley Hanukkah Events
This year the East Valley community is hosting a variety of different events for Hanukkah. To find out more about where to find Hannukkah celebrations please reach out to East Valley Chabad, Shalom Phoenix and PJ Library.
Mesa’s Menorah: The City’s beautiful 9 ft. menorah stands on display, symbolizing the warmth and resilience of Hanukkah. Each night during Hanukkah, an additional candle is lit, celebrating the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days.
Tempe’s Menorah Lighting Ceremony: Join us for this special holiday event at the third annual Menorah lighting ceremony at Ragsdale-MLK Park presented by Downtown Tempe and ASU Chabad. December 30th, 2024, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Hanukkah menu at Chompies: The Bakery and Deli counter has an extensive variety featuring traditional Jewish specialties. Enjoy their knishes and potato pancakes, plus smoked fish, deli salads, premium meats, cheeses, and many homemade cream cheese flavors.
Kids Chanukah Candle Factory: This FREE event invites kids to create their own candle to bring each child’s unique light to the menorah this Hanukkah.
Annual Ahwatukee Community Menorah Lighting: This event is free and open to everyone, regardless of background or affiliation. Come with family, friends, or on your own – there’s a warm, welcoming spot for you. Highlights include:
- Lighting of the Giant Menorah – A symbol of hope, faith, and resilience.
- Live Chanukah Music – Sing along to traditional songs.
- Delicious Treats – Savor hot latkes, doughnuts, and other holiday favorites.
- Fun for Kids – Activities and crafts to keep the little ones entertained.
How we Celebrate Hanukkah in Chandler
There are many traditions that my family loves to do together during the 8 nights. There are two that I particularly enjoy every year.
- I love to go into my children’s schools and teach a lesson about Hanukkah to their peers.
My kids and I love sharing our culture and traditions with their classmates. Together my son and I will pick out a book and project to bring to his class.We bring in dreidels, Menorahs as well as make traditional potato pancakes (known as latkes) to share with his peers.
I teach with my son about the meaning and ceremonies that each item represents. We sing Hanukkah songs and play games with dreidels.
It brings me great joy to see the pride on my son’s face as he tells his class about our family traditions. The children love learning about new holidays and cultures.
- Eight nights of parties: during the week of Hannukah it is custom for family members, friends and community leaders to host events and gather to celebrate together. One of my family’s favorite events is the Chandler Downtown Menorah lighting hosted by East Valley Chabad.
It is a wonderful event where the Jewish community in the East Valley has an opportunity to come together to celebrate with music, food, crafts for the kids and of course, the lighting of a 6 foot tall Menorah.
To bring a little Hannukah magic into your home this holiday season, make potato pancakes with your family.
Ingredients:
- 3 classic potatoes
- 1-2 Egg/s
- Salt and pepper
- Oil
Instructions:
- Peels potatoes by hand, then shred potatoes finely in a food processor
- Take shredded potatoes into a large mixing bowl, add salt and pepper to taste and 1 egg.
- Mix all ingredients together.
- Form small patties in hand (if the mixture isn’t sticking together- add additional egg)
- Fry small patties in a frying pan with oil until both sides are golden brown.
(Pro tip, fry outside- it can get pretty smelly)
