This year Hanukkah is Sunday, December 18-Monday, December 26, 2022 and its traditions vary among families. In general most families all light the menorah for eight nights, eat fried food including jelly doughnuts and potato pancakes and play games with their family & friends.
So what does an interfaith holiday season look like?
Retail Shopping for Hanukkah in Indianapolis
- Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation Gift Shop
- Crate and Barrel
- Target
- Walmart
- Toy R Us
- Steinmart
- Harry & David
- Macy’s
Every year, local synagogues and other organizations create an inclusive opportunity for the community to experience Jewish traditions.
Upcoming Hanukkah Events
2022 Community Menorah Lightings
Sunday, December 18, 5:30 pm
Congregation Beth-el Zedeck
Monday, December 19, 5:30 pm
Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis
Tuesday, December 20, 5:30 pm
Jewish Community Center and Hooverwood Living
Wednesday, December 21, 5:30 pm
Etz Chaim Sephardic Congregation and Indiana Jewish Discovery Center
Thursday, December 22, 5:30 pm
Congregation Beth Shalom and Jewish Community Relations Council
Friday, December 23, 4:30 pm
Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation
Saturday, December 24, 7:30 pm
Congregation Shaarey Tefila
Sunday, December 25, 5:30 pm
Chabad Lubavitch of Indiana
Latkes and Lights
Sunday, December 18, 5-11 pm
Newfields
Join Newfields and the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis for the Chanukah takeover of Winterlights presented by Bank of America. See the windows of Lilly House lit up with Menorahs and Stars of David and be dazzled by the Landscape of Lights as it dances on the Allée. This special evening, a million-and-a-half glittering lights will be enhanced with special food and beverage elements, including a one-of-a-kind holiday tasting with latkes (potato cakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts).
Your Latkes & Lights ticket includes a latke or sufganiyot as well as a Kosher cider or a hot cocoa.
Menorah Aflame at the Christkindlmarkt
Light Up the Park - Menorah Lighting Holliday Park
Fishers Chanukah Celebration
CTeen Chanukah Party
December 20, 2022, 7-8:30 pm
2640 West 96th Street, Carmel, 46032
Join Jewish teens from across our city for fun activities, tasty snacks, and the best of teen spirit.
Zionsville Menorah Lighting
December 21, 2022, 7-8:30 pm
Robert Goodman Jewelers, 106 N. Main Street, Zionsville, 46077
Illuminate the streets of Zionsville as we proudly display our Jewish pride by igniting a public Chanukah Menorah. Be inspired by the story of the candles and enjoy some tasty Chanukah treats.
Congregation Beth Shalom Menorah Lighting
December 23, 2022,
Indianapolis JCC, 6701 Hoover Road, Indianapolis, 46260
Join Congregation Beth Shalom as we joyously light the community menorah on the fifth day of Chanukah. We will join in prayer and song at this beautiful time of year. Dress warmly and bring the entire family! We look forward to seeing you!
Our Story as an Interfaith Family
I travel home to my parents typically for their annual Hanukkah party in which 50% of the participants are not Jewish, but rather people that want to learn more about our traditions. Sometimes referred to as “The Festival of Lights,” Hanukkah is a time of the year to spend time with family and friends.
Food Served at the Party
- Latkes (potato pancakes) are fried in the garage (traditional and new varieties)
- Sufganiyah (jelly doughnuts)
- Fried Thai eggrolls prepared by a family friend (our own tradition)
- Noodle Kuggel with Apples and Cinnamon
- Brisket
Other Traditions at the Party
- Gelt is distributed to all the children (chocolate money wrapped in gold or silver)
- Dreidels are distributed to all the children
- 15-20 menorahs are lit at one time- amazing differences to cater to an individual’s favorite things/colors. The candles are all different colors, textures, and sizes, and all shine at the same time.
Every other December (depending on when Hanukkah falls), we pack our menorah and candles for the flight to California and celebrate with my husband’s family. We spend Christmas Eve- joining the extended family for a Mexican/Filipino feast. The room is filled with laughter, full stomachs, present opening for the children and out-of-this-world chocolate mousse cake.
The Hamilton Southeastern School District has been one of inclusiveness.
- My daughter, like other children, is encouraged to share their traditions. We typically send a story for her to share with her class and participants in the aftercare program.
- Most teachers have been open to allowing our daughter to do an alternate craft if she chooses since we don’t hang Christmas decorations in our home.
- Even the music program included a Hanukkah song or two each year.
We have always stressed to our daughter that we are respectful of others’ beliefs and we are open to learning about other cultures. Since she was a baby she has been exposed to multiple religious beliefs.
On years when we don’t travel to see my husband’s side of the family, we do the traditional Chinese dinner, bowling, and go to a movie.
Hopefully, as our daughter gets older, she will do as I did and volunteer at a church, babysitting so others can enjoy their service or at a soup kitchen serving dinner.
