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Best Ways To Celebrate Hanukkah In Chicago

The holiday season in Chicago is filled with various Christmas events, whether it's a parade with Santa at the helm or the lighting of the tree. However, those celebrating Hanukkah aren't left out of the festivities. The previous feature, "Best Ways To Celebrate Hanukkah In Chicago," offered some great events throughout the city, but there have been some updates for the 2014 holiday. Partaking in a Hanukkah event can be a great way to celebrate among those with the common faith, but it can also be a way to teach children the significance and meaning behind this holiday. Take advantage of a communal celebration or an educational event in Chicago, and make the most out of your Hanukkah festivities.
Congregation Beth Shalom
(Photo Credit: Congregation Beth Shalom's Facebook)

YFO Shabbat Dinner & Storybook Shabbat
Congregation Beth Shalom
3433 Walters Ave.
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 498-4100
www.bethshalomnb.org
Date: Dec. 5, 2014

The YFO Shabbat Dinner & Storybook Shabbat will be held on December 5, 2014 from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Shabbat Services will be held from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Non-members and members alike are welcome to enjoy the traditional dinner, as well as the Shabbat Service. The Hanukkah story will be told during the storybook time, and the candle lighting will culminate the event. Families are encouraged to bring kids along for sing-along songs and dreidel games. For more information on this event, email info@bethshalomnb.org.

Hanukkah Concert
Alsdorf Auditorium
1000 Lake Cook Rd.
Glencoe, IL 60022
(847) 835-5440
www.chicagobotanic.org
Date: Dec. 21, 2014

The Maxwell Street Klezmer Band will be performing in the Alsdorf Auditorium on December 21, 2014 from 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Each concert performance will be an hour long, with ticket purchases granting access to the Wonderland Express exhibition at the Chicago Botanic Garden. The advance ticket price is $17, ticket price for the day of the performance is $20 and children under two years of age are free. Discounted ticket prices are offered for those with Chicago Botanic Garden membership. This event offers a great way to take in the spirit of the holiday through music, and continuing the celebration of the season with its annual Wonderland Express exhibit.

Hanukkah Happenings
Westfield Hawthorn Mall
122 Hawthorn Ctr.
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
(847) 763-3603
www.gojcc.org
Date: Dec. 14, 2014

Hanukkah Happenings is a free event offered by JCC Chicago (Jewish Community Center of Chicago). Partnering with PJ Library, this free event will be held on December 14, 2014 at 10 a.m. All are welcome to this family-friendly event, regardless of your faith. Crafts and entertainment surrounding the holiday of Hanukkah will be offered, as well as a chance to win a prize at the raffle. For more information on this event, email ljlevine@gojcc.org.

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Hanukkah Festival
Anshe Emet Synagogue
3751 N. Broadway St.
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 281-1423
www.ansheemet.org
Date: Dec. 14, 2014

The Hanukkah Festival offered by the Anshe Emet Synagogue will be held on December 14, 2014 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Previous Hanukkah events have included Shabbat service with numerous activities for the whole family. Crafts, sing-along songs and cookie decorating have been a few of the activities offered in previous events. For more information on entertainment or registration, email ansheemet@gmail.com.

Rissman Family Kol Ami Museum
1175 Sheridan Rd.
Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 432-8900
www.nssbethel.org

The Rissman Family Kol Ami Museum at the North Suburban Synagogue Beth El features Jewish ceremonial items ranging from the 18th century to the the present. Permanent exhibits showcase rare books, menorahs, Torah finials and much more. Visiting exhibits pass through year after year, with a favorite being "Driedel...Dreidel...Dreidel..." with over 80 dreidels on display. Visiting the museum for a learning experience to celebrate Hanukkah can be a way to develop a deeper understanding of the holiday. For more information, email nssbe@nssbethel.org.

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Sara Lugardo is a professional writer out of Chicago, Illinois. She has a Bachelor's in Communication and is currently working on her Master's. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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