Temple Israel

Our friends with the Union for Reform Judaism give this overview of Chanukah: Chanukah, meaning "dedication" in Hebrew, refers to the joyous eight-day celebration during which Jews commemorate the victory of the Macabees over the armies of Syria in 165 B.C.E. and the subsequent liberation and "re-dedication" of the Temple in Jerusalem. The modern home celebration of Chanukah centers around the lighting of the chanukiah, a special menorah for Chanukah; unique foods, latkes and jelly doughnuts; and special songs and games.

We hope you'll find the resources and information on this page helpful. Happy Chanukah!
Chanukah Market Place         Share the Light          Chanukah Dinner        QR Menorah
Dreidels and Then Some...Latkes

Temple a Go-Go tickets make great Chanukah tickets! Buy your Go-Go tickets today!

WRJ-Temple Israel Sisterhood Chanukah Market PlaceSunday, December 11, 2011; 9am-1pm
You'll find a tremendous selections of great gifts here! Added benefit of shopping here: items purchased at this sale will be gifted wrapped free of charge. Proceeds help Sisterhood help Temple!

Share the LightThursday, December 22, 2011, 6:30pm; Target (Poplar/I-240)
A message from Rabbi Adam Grossman: "Instead of giving gifts to your family on the third night of Chanukah this year, I implore each of you 'to translate compassion into action.' This is not a plea for donations, rather a call to share your family's light. On December 22 at 6:30 pm sharp, come by yourself or with your family to meet my family and me at the Target located at Poplar and I-240. Once there, buy one gift (or many) for your specific age and gender group. Following the purchases, immediately bring them to Temple Israel and enjoy a sufganiyot, a fried jelly doughnut, typically eaten in Israel during this holiday. The gifts will be dropped off at Jewish Family Service, who will ensure that the presents will be distributed to those in need of goodwill this Chanukah.

Chanukah DinnerFriday, December 23, 2011, after the 6:15pm Shabbat service
Brisket and latkes and dreidels…oh my! It's that time of year again, when the oil in the frying pan is just the right temperature, and folks are preparing for another Festival of Lights. So bring your menorah and candles to Temple Israel for the annual Chanukah dinner! A delicious Corky's feast of brisket, cole slaw, baked beans, and rolls—and chicken tenders for the kids—will be served. Oh, did we mention there would be latkes with the trimmings too?! And save room for donut holes for dessert. Yummy! What would a Temple Chanukah dinner be without the dulcet tones of Cantor Kaplan leading a festive sing-a-long?! We won't have to find out, because Cantor Kaplan will lend us his tenor voice! Please bring canned goods, especially high protein items such as tuna and peanut butter. They will be given to the Mid-South Food Bank. The cost is $12 per adult and $6 per child (age 10 and under). ((Dec. 23, 10am update: While online reservations have ended, "walk-ups" will be welcome.))

Dreidels and Then Some...LatkesSaturday, December 24, 2011
TI's 2139 looks forward to this annual time Jews to get together on the night before Christmas for drinks, food, and fun! Watch for details on TI's 2139 website page.

Rabbi Grossman's "QR Menorah"Rabbi Grossman: "Over the course of the eight days of Chanukah, we have provided a fun and educational way to celebrate the holiday. For each day, we have provided a video to scan, which will offer insights into the holiday, various ways to enhance one's observance, and inspire one to take action in our community. Whether you watch one each night or all at once, by yourself or with family, hopefully, this Chanukah each of us can find ways to connect more deeply to our Jewish identity."
What follows is the content, in order of day 1-8, the QR codes would have taken you to.