Chanukah 5787 at Temple Beth El
Friday, December 4 – Saturday, December 12, 2026
A little more light. A lot more reasons to come together.
From candle lighting and latkes to creative chanukiyot and celebrations for every age, Chanukah at Temple Beth El is about sharing the traditions we love with the people who make our community special.
Whether you’re joining us for Shabbat, bringing the family to Southern Fried Chanukah, or celebrating with friends, there’s a place for you.
Giving Tree for Sterling Elementary
Help make the holidays brighter for families at Sterling Elementary! Our Giving Tree is now in the TBE lobby, with leaves you can choose to shop for a family. You can also shop online through our Amazon wishlist.
Please return gifts to Temple Beth El by Friday, December 18.
The Chanukiyah Contest Is Back!
It’s time to get creative! We’re bringing back TBE’s Chanukiyah Contest and inviting artists of all ages to design and build their own original, functional chanukiyot.
Entries will be displayed at Temple Beth El, with congregational voting following Shabbat services on December 4. We’ll announce the winner and light the winning creation during Chanukah Shabbat on December 11.
Categories: Group/Family, Preschool–2nd Grade, 3rd–7th Grade, and Teen/Adult.
Register to compete by Friday, November 27.
Upcoming Events
Friday, December 4 | 6:13pm
We’re kicking off Chanukah with a Shabbat celebration! Join us as we light our chanukiyot and welcome the Festival of Lights together. After services, stay for a festive congregational dinner featuring holiday favorites, including plenty of latkes.
Be sure to visit the Chanukiyah Contest display in the lobby and vote for your favorite creations!
Complimentary babysitting is available in the Melasky Nursery during Friday evening Shabbat services.
Dinner reservations are required. Register by Monday, November 30.
Sunday, December 6 | 4:00pm–7:00pm
Grab the family for an afternoon of holiday fun, designed for families with young children! Enjoy hands-on activities, Chanukah music, and Southern Fried favorites like crispy latkes, fried chicken, and sweet doughnuts.
We’ll gather to light the chanukiyah and celebrate with our TBE community.
Register by Wednesday, December 2.
Tuesday, December 8 | 7:00pm–9:00pm
Bring your chanukiyah and come hungry! Join Miriam’s Well and Brotherhood for a Chanukah dinner featuring latkes, sufganiyot, and an evening together.
We’ll begin with candle lighting and song led by TBE clergy. Bring your own chanukiyah to add its glow to our shared celebration.
We’re also collecting new and gently used winter essentials for Crisis Assistance Ministry. Donations of coats, hats, gloves, and mittens for adults and children will help our Charlotte neighbors stay warm.
Dinner is free for Brotherhood and Miriam’s Well members who bring winter items to donate.
Register by Thursday, December 3.
Wednesday, December 9 | 6:30pm–8:30pm | NoDa Brewing
Join TBE Jam and Temple Israel’s Next Dor for a Sufganiyot Social! Connect with Jewish young adults from across Charlotte, enjoy Chanukah treats, and celebrate together.
Registration is required.
Thursday, December 10 | 7:30pm | Knight Theater
Celebrate Chanukah through music with the Charlotte Symphony’s Festival of Lights.
Join members of our community for an evening of music and holiday celebration in Uptown Charlotte.
Friday, December 11 | 6:13pm
Keep the Chanukah spirit shining as we gather for Shabbat! Join us for a festive Shabbat Evening Service filled with music, prayer, and the warmth of community.
We’ll also announce the winner of our Chanukiyah Contest and light the winning creation together, celebrating the creativity of our Temple Beth El community.
Complimentary babysitting is available in the Melasky Nursery during Friday evening Shabbat services.
Friday, December 11–Saturday, December 12 (5:30pm Friday–12:00pm Saturday )
An overnight Chanukah celebration for our LIBERTY teens! Join friends for a holiday-themed lock-in at Temple Beth El.
Register by Monday, December 7.
Wednesday, December 16 | 11:00am–1:00pm
Continue the celebration with SPICE! Join Rabbi Beth Nichols for a conversation exploring the evolving symbolism of the menorah, followed by a festive Chanukah luncheon.
Register by Sunday, December 13.