Celebrate Chanukah in Stoughton

This year, the Jewish holiday of Chanukah began Saturday, Dec. 8 at sundown, and ends a week later on Sunday, Dec. 16.

Chanukah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the story of the Maccabean Revolt against Syrian rulers in present day Israel 2,100 years ago.

The victorious Maccabees wanted to rededicate Jerusalem's main temple but had only enough oil to kindle the Eternal Light for one day. But, the oil lasted for eight days, until more oil could be prepared, and the holiday of Chanukah was born.

Today the holiday is commemorated with the lighting of the Menorah each of the eight nights, playing dreidel and eating special holiday foods like potato pancakes (latkes).

Click here to learn more about Chanukah. 

CHANUKAH EVENTS AROUND STOUGHTON

• Join the Shaloh House Chabad of Stoughton every night of Chanukah for a Menorah lighting at the Cobb Corner Shell station at 6 p.m. (Friday at 3:30 p.m.).

• Shaloh House will also hold a Chanukah celebration at the Stoughton YMCA (445 Central St.) on Monday, Dec. 10 at 4:30 p.m. 

• The 4th Annual Flip Over Chanukah will be held Sunday, Dec. 9 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Academy of Gymnastics (808 West Street) in Stoughton. Join the fun at this non-stop celebration where your kids will run, jump and tumble through holiday-themed gym activities. Cost is $15/family. Walk-ins are an additional $5. Click here for more information.

• Ahavath Torah Congregation is hosting a Chanukah party for members and prospective members Saturday, Dec. 15 (services at 4 p.m., Havdalah service/party starts at 5:30 p.m.). Event is free, but a donation for the Jewish Family Table (pasta, raisins, cash or supermarket scrip) is requested.

CHANUKAH RECIPE

• Potato Pancakes (Latkes)