Ways to celebrate Hanukkah in Coral Springs: Dinner and a show, a fair and more
Hanukkah, known as the Hebrew Festival of Lights, runs from Dec. 14-22 this year. Its origins lie in Jewish resistance against ancient Syrian-Greek occupation.
The eight-day celebration commemorates the story of a group of resistance fighters who reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. But when they went to light the ner tamid (a constantly-burning flame) the soldiers found that they only had one small jar of oil. Despite only being enough fuel for one day of light, the supply lasted for eight days — hailed as a miracle by those who passed the story from generation to generation.
Today, many Jewish communities celebrate the festival with religious services, large meals, gift-giving and entertainment — and the Coral Springs area has an array of celebrations to check out.
Ha Ha Hanukkah with David Glickman (Dec. 13)
Temple Beth Torah Sha’aray Tzedek (TBTST), an Egalitarian Conservative synagogue, will host a musical comedy show from 7:15 to 10 p.m. at 5700 NW 94 Ave. in Tamarac to kick off northwest Broward’s Hanukkah festivities.
A light meal will be served before the show. Tickets including dinner are $54 each, and tickets for the show only are $36 each. Learn more and save a seat on the temple’s website here.
The Event: Chanukah in Coral Springs (Dec. 14)
Chabad of Coral Springs will host the city’s largest central celebration of the holiday from 2 to 5 p.m. at Messenheimer Field (2800 Sportsplex Drive).
There will be a grand menorah lighting ceremony and a BMX bike show. Additional activities include:
- Rock climbing
- Face painting
- Pony rides
- Bumper cars
- Gelt (chocolate coins) drop
- Swings
- Pirate ship
- Petting zoo
- Laser tag
- Toddler play area
- Balloon art
- Games
Admission is free and activity bracelets cost $15-18 in advance or $20-25 at the door. There will be food available for purchase, but vendors have not yet been announced.
More information and ticket purchasing are available on the Chabad Jewish Center website here.
Car parade (Dec. 17)
Then on Wednesday, Dec. 17, there will be a car parade, leaving from Chabad of Coral Springs at 3925 N. University Drive at 6 p.m. Only cars with a menorah, which costs $250 through its online ticketing page, will be allowed to join the parade. All are invited to the following pajama party and cookie bake.
Dinner, Dreidels & Donuts (Dec. 21)
From 6 to 8:30 p.m., enjoy dinner, dessert, music, dreidel bunco and candle lighting at the TBTST Social Hall. Seats are available for $12 per person or $36 per family on the temple’s website here.
