The eight nights of Hanukkah last from Dec. 11 - Dec. 19 in 2009. Celebrate the festival of lights in Denver with these eight activities for the whole family. Hanukkah 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 Hanukkah 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 Hanukkah 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.
The Allied Jewish Federation 300 S. Dahlia Street is sponsoring a Hanukkah celebration on Sun. Dec. 14, 2009 at 7 p.m. The menorah will be lit for the second night of Hanukkah, and latkes and hot beverages will be provided as part of the festivities.
The Mizel Museum of Judaica offers a glimpse into Denver's Jewish past and future. An exhibit by Jewish artist Toby Meyers called “Interpretations” opens on Dec. 2, 2009 . 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 16th annual Hanukkah concert will be held at Shalom Park retirement home on Sunday, Dec. 13 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.
