Chanukah and Thanksgiving

Chanukah is  starting on the Wednesday night the 25^th of November. It’s a great holiday with some must see festival moments. Chanukah this year coincides with Thanksgiving an we also take a look at some features of Thanksgiving in Israel.

  A traditional food that comes out around the time of the festival is donuts. Jelly donuts are the standard version but the various bakeries produce different fillings and toppings each year. The creative feel to all the different donuts is great. The whole family can have a great time going to different bakeries investigating and tasting the different donuts.   One bakery does a very tasty donuts covered with a rich Belgium chocolate topping. While other do a cream filling with a cream and fruit topping, definitely worth the taste bud experience.

The main commandment on the day is lighting an eight branch candelabra lighting the branches each day. Some communities are known for the beautiful array of big and small Chanukiot. Tours can be arranged to go round some of the older communities getting a real feel for the history that surrounds some of the ancient communities of Jerusalem and the festival of lights.

Since the festival has a lot to do with establishing the Jewish temple after the war with the Greeks the old city of Jerusalem holds a great significance during the festival. There is a festive spirit is palpable. It is worth a visit to the Jewish quarter and the Western wall and see the big Chanukiah and see and feel the festivities.

The Israel Museum in Jerusalem is having festival events. The festival of lights inspired event with FunTazi, Black Light Theater use light to create a story in blackened out theatre. Take a look at the website for more information.

In Tel Aviv they are taking the festivities as an opportunity to reopen Shenkin Street.  Shenkin Street is a symbol of Tel Aviv and its opening after a two year renovation program is a time to celebrate. What better time than during a wonderful festival. The event will feature a fashion show and some music by Terry Poison and Monti Fiori. Take a look at the website for more details.

The Association of American and Canadians in Israel (AACI) provide thanksgiving meals and events for Americans in Israel. There is a large range of American products including cranberry sauce if you are planning on making your own thanksgiving meal. Nefesh B’Nefesh also provides a wonderful singles night with a thanksgiving meal. If you’re looking for something a bit more exclusive the America Colony Hotel provides a wonderful environment for a Thanksgiving meal. On the other side of the scale Mike’s place bar is having a relaxed thanksgiving experience.