What: Chanukah Cooking Demonstration with Michael Solomonov
Dates: Wednesday, December 2 from 8:00 – 9:15 PM
Details: Free for all registrants

Join members of our community on December 2 for a FREE virtual Chanukah cooking demonstration with famed Chef Michael Solomonov!

Members of Bender JCC have an opportunity to join hundreds of others to watch the James Beard Foundation award-winning chef put together delicious Chanukah meal ranging from apple shrub to sfenj (Moroccan doughnuts), just in time for the holiday.

The event runs from 8:00 PM – 9:15 PM

The event is hosted by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. Like many other organizations, Bender JCC is proud of our partnership with Federation as we collaborate effectively to maximize our impact – in times of crisis and calm – to ensure our Jewish community continues to grow and thrive.

8 Nights of Lights
December 10 – 17 | 5:30 PM

Cost: Free
Where: zoom

Join your friends at Bender JCCGW, Edlavitch DCJCC and Pozez JCC to light up Chanukah! Bring your Chanukiah (Menorah) to light with us.
NOTE: Friday December 11th’s lighting will occur at 4:30, before Shabbat, followed by a Shabbat candle lighting.

If you have any questions, contact Amy Lummer at amy.lummer@thej.org.

This program is Co-Presented by the Bender JCC of Greater Washington, Pozez JCC, and Edlavitch DCJCC.

Bim Bom Bag (Chanukah):  Explore Jewish Themes & Holidays with the Bender JCC!

Cost: $15 – Please purchase 1 ticket per child.

• Sign up deadline: Wednesday, December 2
• Receive your bag by Monday, December 7
• Zoom accompaniment program:  Thursday, December 10, 4 PM

The Bender JCCGW presents a bagtastic and exciting opportunity to learn about Jewish customs and holidays through arts & crafts, stories, and discussions.  When you sign up, we will hand-deliver* Jewish themed arts & crafts activities to your door to work on independently with your kid(s).   A few days later we will get together over zoom and share our creative crafts, read a story, and learn cool facts about the Jewish topic.  This program is perfect for children 3+ years old.

Please contact Jennifer Radosh if you have any questions.

*Contactless deliveries are for Montgomery County zip codes only, if we can not access your home from the outdoors, please email Jennifer Radosh at jradosh@benderjccgw.org and we will make arrangements.

Tot Shabbat Chanukah edition
Friday, December 11 | 4:00 PM

Cost: Free
Where: zoom

Join the JFamily programs for a fun Chanukah Themed Tot Shabbat.  A special guest musician will be leading tot Shabbat this week.

Chag Hanukkah Sameach!  If you have any questions, contact Lindsay Kagin at lindsayk@edcjcc.org.

This program is Co-Presented by the Bender JCC of Greater Washington, Pozez JCC, and Edlavitch DCJCC.

Virtual Author Talk: Happy Llamakah

Friday Dec. 11 @ 11am

Join us for a Hanukkah and Shabbat morning with author Laura Gehl. She will be joining our playgroup and share her festive book! Signed copies will be available through Politics and Prose for folks attending the Zoom program.

HAPPY LLAMAKKAH! By Laura Gehl
https://www.politics-prose.com/book/9781419743146
CODE: SPECIAL10

Chanukah in the Home
Saturday, December 12 | All Day

Ideas Here: https://pjlibrary.org/hanukkah

Cost: Free

Looking for fun ways to celebrate Chanukah with your family and friends?  Check out PJ Library’s “Hanukkah Hub.” You’ll find everything you need to get ready for the Festival of Lights, including child-friendly versions of the Hanukkah story.

In-Person Chanukah Candle Lighting Celebration at the J!
Sunday, December 13 | 4:30 PM | Cost: $15 – Please purchase 1 ticket per child.

Light up your night at the J!  Join us for a candle lighting ceremony with goodie bags, games, storytime, and more!
Where: Front lawn at the Bender JCC

Please note the program may change based on inclement weather and county guidelines on social gatherings.

Everyone 2 and older will be required to wear a mask.

If you have any questions, contact Lauren Dworkin at ldworkin@benderjccgw.org.

Cooking with the Kagins Chanukah edition
Monday, December 14 | 4:30 PM

Cost: Free
Where: zoom

Join the Kagin family, from the Edlavitch DCJCC, in making a Chanukah treat!
You will receive the ingredients and the recipe in advance of the program.
Chag Hanukkah Sameach!  If you have any questions, contact Lindsay Kagin at lindsayk@edcjcc.org.

This program is Co-Presented by the Bender JCC of Greater Washington, Pozez JCC, and Edlavitch DCJCC.

Bite-Size Fun
Tuesday, December 15 | 12:00 PM
Cost: Free

Where: You will receive a zoom after you register

Bring your lunch or snack and have some fun with Melissa and Michelle! Pop-in and you will find Chanukah crafts, stories, and surprises. You will receive a supply list with your confirmation email.

If you have any questions, contact Amy Lummer at amy.lummer@theJ.org.

This program is Co-Presented by the Bender JCC of Greater Washington, Pozez JCC, and Edlavitch DCJCC.

Frying Up Hannukah Desserts with Chef Vered

Tuesday, December 15 | 5:00 PM | $10

Chef Vered is back with Hannukah treats for the whole family.

Grab your cooking oil and an apron and join Chef Vered (from your kitchen) to fry up your favorite Hannukah desserts including an array of sufganiyot from around the diaspora. This program is sure to light up your sweet tooth and your table. Family Friendly.

Chef Vered (and you) will be frying up

• Moroccan sfenj doughnuts – the mother of all soufganiyot
• Romanian cheese doughnuts (papanasi)
• Classic strawberry jelly soufganiyot
• Halva and chocolate soufganiyot topped with Turkish delight

Registrants will receive a prep packet prior to the event. The prep packet will include recipes, pre-class prep instructions, ingredient and equipment lists.

A Zoom link will be provided to registrants the morning of the event. Please check your spam if you have not received the link by the evening prior to the program.

For more information, please contact Marcie Blackman at mblackman@benderjccgw.org.

ABOUT VERED GUTTMAN

Vered Guttman is an Israeli chef and food writer. She is a regular contributor for Haaretz, where her column on Israeli and Jewish food appeared since 2010. Vered’s writing was also published in the Washington Post, Slate, Moment Magazine and others.

In 2005 Vered launched a catering company and had the pleasure of bringing modern Israeli and Middle Eastern flavors to private parties, diplomatic events, and even to the White House, where she was invited to cook for President Obama’s Passover Seder in 2014.

Growing up in Israel, Vered took her first steps in Jewish cooking at the tables of her two grandmothers, one from Poland, the other from Iraq.

From our home to yours, enjoy the beautiful sounds of Ladino, Yiddish, and Hebrew songs, performed live, bringing joy and ruach [spirit] to this holiday. Welcome our featured guest performers, Susan Gaeta, and David Shneyer:

SUSAN GAETA – A renowned vocalist & guitarist, explores the rich and varied traditions of Sephardic music. Her performance is both magical and moving!

RABBI DAVID SHNEYER – is the founder, executive director, and spiritual leader of Am Kolel, as well as the founder & leader of The Fabrangen Fiddlers, a much-loved Jewish folk music band. Reb David inspires us with his warm and spiritual Hebrew songs.

FRIEDA ENOCH – founder & vocalist of the Capital Klezmers, sings classic Yiddish folk songs, encouraging everyone to sing along.

We may not be able to gather in person for Chanukah, but we can still be one community, bringing light into our homes and our world.

The musical celebration will be followed by candle-lighting and blessings. If you’d like to join, have your menorahs & candles ready!

Afternoon Sillies Chanukah Edition
Thursday, December 17 | 4:00 PM

Cost: Free
Where: You will receive a zoom after you register

Bring a snack and get those sillies out with Pozez JCC’s J-Family Ambassadors Tracy and Julie. Whether it is a puppet show, a craft or a special guest, Tracy and Julie will be there to end your day with a smile! Supplies needed will be included in your confirmation email. Chag Chanukah Sameach!

If you have any questions, contact Amy Lummer at amy.lummer@theJ.org.

This program is Co-Presented by the Bender JCC of Greater Washington, Pozez JCC, and Edlavitch DCJCC.