Hanukkah, the eight-day Festival of Lights celebrated by Jews around the world, began Friday.
Families across the region will gather around to light one candle of the menorah and recite blessings to God to commemorate an improbable victory over invaders who debased the temple in Jerusalem.
Hanukkah this year begins and ends on the Jewish Sabbath, requiring minor liturgical changes. Still, holiday traditions of candles, gifts and jelly doughnuts will stay the same.
The following celebrations are planned across Glendale, Burbank and the foothills:
Chabad Burbank Jewish Center: Hanukkah celebrations at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Jewish Center, and 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Burbank Town Center. For more information, visit www.chabadburbank.com.
Burbank Temple Emanu El: Hanukkah Shabbat morning service at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, and a Havdalah and potluck at 6:15 p.m. Saturday. Visit www.btee.org for more information.
Temple Beth Emet: Annual Hanukkah celebration at noon Saturday. E-mail the office at Office@TempleBethEmet.com or call (818) 843-4787 for more information.
Temple Sinai of Glendale: Tot Shabbat, a special service for preschoolers and their parents or grandparents, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday. Chanukah Dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in the Social Hall. Visit www.temple-sinai.net for more information.
Chabad of Glendale and the Foothill Communities: Hanukkah festival at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Glendale Galleria outside Crown Books. The event includes the lighting of a 9-foot menorah. Visit www.chabadcenter.org for more information.
The Americana at Brand: The public is invited from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday to celebrate the tradition of Hanukkah. The afternoon will feature a musical performance by children’s group Parachute Express; an appearance by storyteller Rebecca Martin and arts and crafts sponsored by the Skirball Cultural Center.
