All of this year’s public menorah lightings around the Bay Area — and there are many — have their own individual appeal, but one event is taking things to another dimension … a third dimension.
In Redwood City, the first night of Hanukkah on Sunday, Dec. 6 will be celebrated with a menorah created right there, on the spot, by a 3-D printer.
“We’re always looking for different ideas to make Hanukkah more exciting,” said Ella Potash, the youth director at Chabad MidPen, which serves the mid-Peninsula area. Her husband, Rabbi Levi Potash, is the center’s director. “This year, we were discussing some options and we were like, ‘Hey, we live in the seat of high tech in the world — why don’t we print a menorah onsite?’ ”
Previous Chabad MidPen Hanukkah celebrations have drawn upwards of 300 attendees with creative concepts such as menorahs made out of Legos or cans of food (which were later donated to a Jewish Family and Children’s Services food pantry). The rabbi and rebbetzin are expecting a similar turnout for this year’s two-hour celebration, which will include music, art projects for kids, a magic show, latkes, sufganiyot and, yes, dreidels straight from the 3-D printer, as well.
Congresswoman Anna Eshoo is scheduled to light the shamash.
Chabad MidPen was still testing menorah designs and sizes this week, and the final product will take a couple days to produce on a loaned printer. But Ella Potash said the printing will be timed so that the menorah — etched out of hard blue plastic and probably a bit bigger than a standard tabletop menorah — will be completed during the event so people can watch.
“It has such a powerful message,” said Potash, noting that Chabad is an organization that enthusiastically embraces modern technology. “It’s like: X amount of minutes ago there was no menorah, and now there is a menorah — and we can use it to spread light.”
Chabad MidPen’s sixth annual Chanukah Festival is free and will take place at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6 in Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City. For more information, visit www.chabadmidpen.com or call (650) 232-0995.
Other public menorah lightings around the Bay Area are plentiful and varied, from a giant glow-in-the-dark menorah in Mountain View to a lighting in Six Flags’ Sea Lion Stadium in Vallejo. A list of menorah lightings and other Hanukkah merriment follows. The events are free unless indicated.
San Francisco
Sunday, Dec. 6
Union Square. Bill Graham Menorah Day. Music by Jerry’s Kosher Deli and Greg Anton, and children’s crafts. Sponsored by Chabad of San Francisco. Music and crafts begin at 2 p.m., lighting at 4:30 p.m. Union Square lightings continue through Dec. 13, with all lightings at 5 p.m. (except Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. and Dec. 12 at 7 p.m.). www.billgrahammenorah.org (See story, page 24)
Noe Valley. “Chanukah Wonderland.” Menorah lighting with treats, crafts, music and a BMX bike show. Sponsored by Chabad of Noe Valley. At future Noe Valley Town Square, 3861 24th St., S.F. 3:30 p.m. www.chabadnoevalley.org
Ghirardelli Square. “Light the Menorah Celebration” with Rabbi Peretz Mochkin of North Beach Chabad. At Ghirardelli Square, 900 North Point St., S.F. 5 p.m. wwwghirardellisq.com/events
JCCSF. Daily lighting of the menorah. Storytime at 4 p.m., lighting and songs at 4:30 p.m. Through Dec. 13. At JCC of San Francisco, 3200 California St., S.F. (415) 292-1200
Cole Valley. Chabad of Cole Valley and Richmond Torah Center event includes hot chocolate, an edible menorah contest, crafts and music. Grattan Playground, Stanyan and Alma streets, S.F. 3 p.m. (415) 598-8718 or www.chabadcv.org/menorah
Wednesday, Dec. 9
Laurel Village. Menorah lighting with singing and treats sponsored by Congregation Emanu-El. At Laurel Village, 3515 California St., S.F. 5:30 p.m. Free. www.emanuelsf.org
Thursday, Dec. 10
Contemporary Jewish Museum. “Night at the Jewseum: Power!” Exploring connections among the story of the Maccabees, the current “Chasing Justice” exhibition, superheroes and Jewish tradition. Menorah lighting, plus a latke bar, DIY mask-making, cocktails and a comic book library. 21-and-over. At CJM, 736 Mission St., S.F. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Included with museum admission, $5 after 5 p.m. www.thecjm.org
Cole Valley. “Bike Menorah Parade” hosted by Chabad of Cole Valley. Cyclists meet at 5:30 p.m. at Stanyan and Waller streets. Parade followed by a menorah lighting and doughnuts. www.chabadcv.org/parade
Noe Valley. Menorah lighting with singing and treats sponsored by Congregation Emanu-El. At Just for Fun, 3928 24th St., S.F. 5:30 p.m. Free. www.emanuelsf.org
Saturday, Dec. 12
JCCSF. “Saturdays Unplugged” featuring dreidel game, fried treats, storytime with PJ Library, Shmaltz beer tasting and crafts. Music by Saul Goodman’s klezmer band. Activities at 4 p.m., menorah lighting at 4:30 p.m. At JCC of San Francisco, 3200 California St., S.F. (415) 292-1200
Sunday, Dec. 13
Westfield Centre. “Chanukah @ Westfield.” Final-night celebration featuring traditional treats, games, crafts, a themed photo booth and a live performance by Rabbi Yehuda Ferris of the Ferris Wheels. Sponsored by Chabad of San Francisco. Under the Dome at Westfield shopping center, 865 Market St., S.F. 3 p.m. www.chabadsf.org
East Bay
Sunday, Dec. 6
Castro Valley. “Hanukkah on the Boulevard.” With crafts, food and entertainment. Sponsored by Chabad of Castro Valley. At 3601 Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley. 5 p.m. www.jewishcastrovalley.org
Lafayette. A menorah lighting with latkes, sufganiyot and arts activities. Sponsored by Chabad of Lamorinda. At Lafayette Plaza, Mount Diablo Blvd. at Moraga Road, Lafayette. 4 p.m. www.chabadoflamorinda.com
Walnut Creek. Includes giant menorah lighting, holiday treats, live music and a fire-juggling performance. Sponsored by Chabad of Contra Costa. At Broadway Plaza (near Macy’s men’s store), Walnut Creek. 4 p.m. www.jewishcontracosta.com
Oakland. Chabad of Oakland and Piedmont’s 10th annual menorah lighting, with treats, free menorahs and dreidels, music and a fire show. At Lake Merritt Amphitheater, Lake Merritt Blvd., Oakland. 4:30 p.m. (510) 545-6770 or www.jewishoakland.org
Berkeley. With music by the Ferris Wheels and other treats. Sponsored by Chabad of the East Bay. In front of furniture store CB2, 1730 Fourth St., Berkeley. 4:30 p.m. (510) 540-5824
Dublin. “Chanukah Extravaganza.” With healthy seasonal treats, a menorah-building workshop and live music by Achi Ben Shalom. Menorah lighting around 4:30 p.m. Sponsored by Chabad of the Tri-Valley. At Whole Foods Market, 5200 Dublin Blvd, Dublin. 3 p.m. www.jewishtrivalley.com
Monday, Dec. 7
Pleasanton. “Chanukah Wonderland.” Menorah lighting with face-painting, games, crafts, raffles and more. Sponsored by Chabad of the Tri-Valley. At Stoneridge Shopping Center, Grand Court (in the center of the mall), Pleasanton. 5:30 p.m. www.jewishtrivalley.com
Berkeley. Hanukkah concert by Jewish music duo Melita and Isaac. Community menorah lighting with Rabbi Chaim Mahgel. At Afikomen Judaica, 3042 Claremont Ave., Berkeley. 4 p.m. www.afikomen.com
Tuesday, Dec. 8
Berkeley. “Learning In Light: A Very Kevah Hanukkah.” With treats, drinks and a Kevah-style learning session with Rabbi David Kasher. RSVP requested. At Kevah, 2095 Rose St., Suite 202, Berkeley. 7 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www.tinyurl.com/kevah-hanukkah-2015 or (510) 280-5656
Thursday, Dec. 10
San Leandro. Public lighting with doughnuts and latkes, arts and crafts and live music. Sponsored by Chabad of Castro Valley. In front of the San Leandro police station, 901 East 14th St., San Leandro. 6 p.m. www.jewishcastrovalley.org
Berkeley. First-time menorah lighting with kosher latkes from Saul’s Deli (specially made for this event only) and a performance by the Ferris Wheels. At the North Berkeley Farmers Market, Shattuck Avenue andRose Street (near Saul’s Deli), Berkeley. 4:30 p.m. Ticket number needed to redeem latkes; RSVP to [email protected]. (510) 540-5824
Piedmont. At Exedra Plaza , 711 Highland Ave., Piedmont. 5:30 p.m. (510) 545-6770
Saturday, Dec. 12
Livermore. Lighting of a 9-foot menorah in front of the Bankhead Theater. With food, fun and live music. Sponsored by Chabad of the Tri-Valley. At 2400 First St., Livermore. 7:30 p.m. www.jewishtrivalley.com
Sunday, Dec. 13
Fremont. Annual menorah lighting with food and drinks, kids activities, music and free raffles with prizes. In front of DFW and Nordstrom Rack, Pacific Commons, Fremont. 5 p.m. www.chabadfremont.com
Castro Valley. “Chocolate Menorah” event includes a Hanukkah dinner, lighting and a genuine chocolate menorah for all to share. At Chabad of Castro Valley, 20912B Redwood Road, Castro Valley. 3 p.m. Free, but RSVP required. www.jewishcastrovalley.org or (510) 342 9326
Berkeley. East Bay community Hanukkah party, with latkes, sufganiyot, ask-a-rabbi booth and lots of activities. At JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St., Berkley, 3:30 p.m. $6-$12. www.jcceastbay.org/events (See J. pick, page 55)
Peninsula
Sunday, Dec. 6
Foster City. “Latkepalooza!” is a community Hanukkah celebration with activities for children, wine-tasting for adults and live music. At Peninsula JCC, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City. 1 p.m. www.pjcc.org
Palo Alto. “Latke-It-Forward” for interfaith families with children ages 2-7. Kids will hear a Hanukkah story, make shadow puppets and deliver latkes to Moldaw residents, while a rabbi leads parents in discussion. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 1:30 p.m. $36. www.paloaltojcc.org/events/latke-it-forward
Palo Alto. Hanukkah festival featuring a menorah lighting, latkes, sufganiyot, a dreidel-spinning competition, and menorah- and dreidel-making. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 3:30 p.m. Free, but bring an unwrapped, unopened package for gift drive. www.paloaltojcc.org
Palo Alto. Hanukkah foods, activities for kids and lighting of the “mega menorah.” Sponsored by Chabad Palo Alto. At Palo Alto City Hall, 250 Hamilton Ave. 4 p.m. www.chabadpaloalto.com/chanukah
Tuesday, Dec. 8
Mountain View. Lighting of a giant glow-in-the-dark menorah, plus hot cider, an olive-press workshop and glow-in-the-dark 3-D printer dreidels. Sponsored by Chabad of Sunnyvale. At Civic Center Plaza, 500 Castro St., Mountain View. 5:30 p.m. www.chabadsunnyvale.com
Wednesday, Dec. 9
Los Altos. Menorah lighting by the mayor, with latkes, hot soup, live music and kids’ activities. Sponsored by Los Altos Chabad. In the plaza at corner of Main and State streets, Los Altos. 5:30 p.m. www.chabadlosaltos.com
Saturday, Dec. 12
Palo Alto. Parade of cars with menorahs on top. Watch or join. Departs at 7:45 p.m. from Chabad Palo Alto, 3070 Louis Road, Palo Alto. (650) 424-9080
Sunday, Dec. 13
Palo Alto. “Chanukah on Ice” is geared toward the Israeli community. Includes ice skating, crafts and an olive-press workshop. Sponsored by Chabad Israeli Community. At Winter Lodge, 3009 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. 6-9 p.m. $18 for skating. (650) 804-5019 or www.chabadisraeli.org
South Bay
Sunday, Dec. 6
San Jose. “Hooray for Hanukkah!” is a kid-friendly event with food, crafts, story time and the making of a canned-food menorah. Sponsored by Addison-Penzak JCC. At Children’s Discovery Museum, 180 Woz Way, San Jose. 12-5 p.m. Free with museum admission. For the menorah, bring canned food (which will be donated to charity afterward). www.apjcc.org
San Jose. “Latkes & Laughs” includes comedy by Mark Schiff, Jeff Applebaum and Emily Epstein White, plus potato pancakes and a menorah lighting. At Temple Emanu-El, 1010 University Ave., San Jose. 5:30 p.m. $18-$36. www.latkesandlaughs.com
Wednesday, Dec. 9
Santa Cruz. Roaring Camp Railroad’s one-hour “Chanukah Train” ride will begin after a menorah lighting. Event also includes storytelling, refreshments and a choice of miniature golf, laser tag or arcade games. Sponsored by Chabad by the Sea. At the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz. 6:30 p.m. $23-$29. www.roaringcamp.com/events#chanukah
Friday, Dec. 11
Los Gatos. Hanukkah celebration for Russian-speaking families. Includes food, bingo, face painting and magic. At the Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. $45 per family, $18 single ticket. Advance registration requested. [email protected] or (408) 357-7429
Sunday, Dec. 13
San Jose. Community candle lighting near the Santana Row Starbucks includes dreidel decorating, story time and Hanukkah music by Lior Ben-Hur. At Park Valencia, 377 Santana Row, San Jose. 3 p.m. www.santanarow.com/events/santana-row-celebrates-chanukah
North Bay
Saturday, Dec. 5
Rohnert Park. “Hands-on Hanukkah” for kids. Arts and crafts, storytelling, raffle and appearance by Danny the Dreidel. Co-sponsored by Big Tent Judaism and PJ Library. At Fundemonium, 579 Rohnert Park Expressway W., Rohnert Park. 1-4 p.m. (707) 684-6692
Sunday, Dec. 6
San Rafael. Marin JCC Festival of Lights. With treats, arts activities, Hanukkah gift market, photo booth and live music. At Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. www.marinjcc.org/FOL
Petaluma. “Hanukkah at the River.” Menorah lighting with food, crafts, music and a fire-juggling performance. Sponsored by Chabad of Petaluma. At Water Street Promenade, 100 N. Petaluma Blvd., Petaluma. 5 p.m. www.jewishpetaluma.com/ menorah
San Rafael. “Chanukah on Ice.” Hanukkah treats, gifts for sale, skating to Jewish music and a grand menorah lighting with state Assemblyman Marc Levine. Sponsored by Chabad of Novato. At Northgate Mall (near Kohl’s), San Rafael. 6-9 p.m. Free; $15-$18 skate rental. RSVP requested. www.jewishnovato.com/ice
Monday, Dec. 7
Santa Rosa. “Hands-on Hanukkah” for kids. Arts and crafts, storytelling, raffle and appearance by Danny the Dreidel. Co-sponsored by Big Tent Judaism and PJ Library. At Charles Schulz Museum, 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. www.sonomacounty.com/node/22808
Thursday, Dec. 10
Corte Madera. Menorah lighting with singing and treats sponsored by Congregation Emanu-El of San Francisco. At 100 Corte Madera Town Center, Corte Madera. 5:30 p.m. Free. www.emanuelsf.org
Sunday, Dec. 13
Novato. Grand Menorah Lighting. With latkes, a performance by the Red Panda Acrobats, a raffle and more. Presented by Chabad of Novato. At Whole Foods Market Novato, 790 De Long Ave., Novato. 5 p.m. www.jewishnovato.com
Solano County
Sunday, Dec. 6
Vallejo. “Hanukkah Festival” at Six Flags. Includes menorah lighting at Sea Lion Stadium at 5 p.m. With dreidel decorating, face painting, music and kosher food. Portion of proceeds to benefit Bay Area Friendship Circle. Sponsored by Chabads of Napa Valley and Solano County. At Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo. Park hours 12-8 p.m. Discounted tickets ($27.31 plus fee) available online only. www.tinyurl.com/sixflags-hanukkah2015 or (707) 592-5300
Wednesday, Dec. 9
Fairfield. “Hanukkah Wonderland” at Jelly Belly. Lighting of a jellybean-filled menorah, free factory tour, latke bar, children’s activities and music. Sponsored by Chabad of Solano County. At Jelly Belly Visitor Center, 1 Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield. 4-7 p.m. www.jewishsolano.com
Sunday, Dec. 13
Vacaville. “Menorah on Main.” Seventh annual community menorah lighting and celebration with holiday food, children’s activities, music and a raffle. At Town Square, Main and Merchant streets, Vacaville. 4:30 p.m. www.jewishsolano.com