The eight nights of Chanukah begin early this year, from Dec. 4 - Dec. 12 in 2007. Celebrate the festival of lights in Denver with these eight activities for the whole family. Chanukah commemorates the victory of the Maccabees in 165 B.C.E. after King Antiochus desecrated the Temple. One small jar of oil miraculously lasted for eight days, which is now celebrated by lighting candles and eating foods cooked in oil.
Treat yourself to the traditional Chanukah dish of latkes, also known as potato pancakes. Zaidy's, which means grandfather in Yiddish, strives to be the next best thing to grandpa's finest. The Denver kosher-style deli has two locations: the original deli at 121 Adams St. in Cherry Creek and a new one at 15th & Lawrence downtown.
Golda Meir, the first and only female prime minister of Israel, lived in Denver with her sister's family for two years while she attended North High. Meir's duplex teetered on the verge of demolition before it was relocated to the Auraria campus as a museum in 1988.
A Colorado take on Chanukah starts on the ski slopes, of course. Rabbi Jamie Korngold, or the "Adventure Rabbi" as she calls herself, leads the faithful in a Shabbat service before carving some turns. In the summer months, hiking and mountain biking trips are also offered.
Rose Medical Center at 9th and Dahlia is sponsoring a Chanukah celebration on Sun. Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. The music of the Borscht Brothers starts at 11 a.m., and the menorah will be lit at 1 p.m. As part of the festivities, the center will be sponsoring a canned food drive. Drop off your canned and dry goods for the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Food Pantry.
The Mizel Museum of Judaica offers a glimpse into Denver's Jewish past and future. Current exhibits include "We Make the Road by Walking," which examines the art of Islam and Judaism in America. The museum, located at 400 S. Kearney St., is open from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mon. - Thurs. and 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Fri. Free admission.
Color Me Mine pottery studios lets kids paint their own menorahs for a fun family activity. The Denver studio is located at 2nd & Quebec, and there is also a studio across from Park Meadows mall at 9623 E. County Line Rd. Some locations also carry mezuzahs for painting.
The 15th annual Chanukah concert will be held at Shalom Park retirement home on Sunday, Dec. 2 at 3:30 p.m. at 14800 E. Belleview. The concert is free and open to the public. The chorale features volunteer singers from across the Denver metro area.
8. Enough Already, Call Your Mother
Even if you're not Jewish, now's the perfect time to give your mother a call. Tell her how much you appreciate her endless patience and sacrifice, not to mention her home cooking.
