Chanukah 5786 at Temple Beth El
Sunday, December 14 - Monday, December 22, 2025
There’s something special about gathering around the candles together. Each night brings a new moment to pause, breathe, and feel the warmth of our community. We’re grateful to celebrate Chanukah with you and look forward to sharing so many bright moments together this year!
Quick Links
Giving Tree for Sterling Elementary
Help make the holidays bright for 35 Sterling Elementary families! You can:
Choose a leaf from our Giving Tree in the TBE lobby (beginning Friday, November 14)
Shop our Amazon Wishlist
Drop off $50 Walmart or Target gift cards at Temple Beth El
Gifts and gift cards must be delivered by December 8 in order to make sure the children get their gifts in time for the holiday.
Upcoming Events
Families with Young Children
Sunday, December 14 @ 4:00pm
Join us for a cozy afternoon made for families with young children. We’ll have hands-on holiday activities and signature Southern Fried Chanukah bites — including crispy latkes, fried chicken, and sweet donuts. And of course, we’ll light the menorah together on the very first night.
Kids can pop in for a puppet show with Miss Debby, show off their favorite Chanukah looks during a “fashion show,” and jump into a bubble-filled dance party. We’ll share dinner and wrap up the evening with our favorite Chanukah songs.
Register by Wednesday, December 10.
Teens
Friday, December 19 @ 6:00pm through Saturday, December 20 @ 9:00am
It’s back: the overnight extravaganza powered by latkes, fun, and the sheer willpower of teens staying up far later than their adults would approve. Open to Jewish teens in 8th–12th grade. Dinner, snacks, and a light breakfast are included. Pack your overnight gear, including a sleeping bag, pillow, and anything else that helps you survive a night in the social hall.
Register by Monday, December 15.
Adults
Tuesday, December 16 @ 6:30pm
Chanukah is always brighter when we celebrate together. Join Miriam’s Well and Brotherhood for candle lighting, song, and a festive dinner led by our clergy. We’ll serve holiday favorites — latkes, sufganiyot, and a cozy seasonal menu. Feel free to bring your own chanukiyah to help fill the room with light.
We’re collecting new and gently used winter essentials for Crisis Assistance Ministry, including coats, hats, gloves, and mittens for adults and children. Members of Miriam’s Well and Brotherhood who bring items to donate may enjoy dinner at no cost.
This program is for adults. Babysitting is available at TBE for $18 per child with advance registration.
Register by Thursday, December 11.
Wednesday, December 17 @ 12:00pm
Celebrate Chanukah with festive music, words from our clergy, and a holiday lunch filled with traditional favorites, including latkes, sufganiyot, and more.
Register by Sunday, December 14.
Young Adults
Wednesday, December 17 @ 6:30pm | 150 W 32nd St, Charlotte, NC 28206
Celebrate the fourth night of Chanukah with sufganiyot, candle lighting, and good company at NoDa Brewing. Bring your best Chanukah attire. The more festive, the better! No registration required.
Congregational
Friday, December 19 @ 6:13pm
Join us for a special Chanukah Shabbat Evening Service at 6:13pm as we light our chanukiyot and welcome the holiday together as a community. After the service, stay for a warm Chanukah dinner. We’ll enjoy baked chicken, seasonal veggies, plenty of latkes, and donuts to round out the evening.
Register by Monday, December 15. Reservations are required for dinner.
In Our Community
Thursday, December 18 @ 7:30pm | 430 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Celebrate the joy of Hanukkah with an uplifting evening of music, light, and community. This festive concert brings together voices from Charlotte’s Jewish communities for a heartwarming night filled with the spirit of the Festival of Lights — featuring cantors and a children’s choir from local congregations, music from across the centuries, and a lively sing-along of favorite Hanukkah songs. It’s a celebration for all ages!
The evening will feature Christopher James Lee, Cantor Shira Lissek, Cantor Danielle Rodnizki, Benjamin Geller, and the children’s choir.
Sunday, December 21 @ 4:00pm | 2700 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28205
The Charlotte Checkers are excited to host Hockey & Hanukkah Night as we take on the Springfield Thunderbirds at Bojangles Coliseum! Enjoy a menorah lighting ceremony on the ice, discounted tickets, and a special Checkers group gift.