Hanukkah in Detroit is the perfect time to see the city’s natural brightness with a diverse community. Hannukkah (Chanukah) is an eight-day Jewish “festival of lights” that begins this year when the sun sets on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. This past fall, Sukkah x Detroit celebrated the Jewish community, design, and urban farms in Detroit’s historic Capitol Park. Now, it’s time to get together again to enjoy the holidays this winter.
Detroitisit rounded up a list of events to celebrate Hanukkah in Detroit this year, plus Metro Detroit temples for prayer service. Mark your calendars!
MENORAH IN THE D DETROIT COMMUNITY CELEBRATES HANUKKAH, PHOTO MENORAH IN THE D / FACEBOOK
MENORAH IN THE D
Date and Time: Begins at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18. The ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m.
First on this list for Hannukkah in Detroit is a grand tradition! It wouldn’t be a modern, festive holiday in downtown Detroit without a 26-foot-tall menorah lit up to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah. Come for the FREE, live lighting and enjoy greetings from community leaders and dignitaries, the honoring of eight lamplighters, a fire show, and hot soup and cider. RSVP HERE to attend. The event will be broadcasted live. Guests can also sign up for a Zoom party kit that includes Chanukah treats and games.
Location: Campus Martius Park at 800 Woodward Avenue, Detroit
CHANUKAH WONDERLAND
DREIDEL FOR HANUKKAH, PHOTO ROBERT ZUNIKOFF / UNSPLASH
Date and Time: Dec. 18, 19, and 25, 2022
Some events already passed, but there are still more exciting festivities happening this month. Check out the annual Chanukah Wonderland if you’re celebrating in West Bloomfield Township. Find the dreidel bounce house and dance machines, latkes, and a kid-friendly tot town. filled with all kinds of kid-friendly fun at this annual. Tickets are $8. Click HERE to purchase.
Location: 7290 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township
DOWNTOWN SYNAGOGUE 100 YEARS CELEBRATION, PHOTO ISAAC AGREE DOWNTOWN SYNAGOGUE FACEBOOK
DOWNTOWN SYNAGOGUE
What a more timely celebration than to learn the recent news about Downtown Synagogue’s upcoming $6M makeover?! To celebrate 100 years of honoring Isaac Agree and simultaneously looking ahead to the next century of success, the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue is undergoing a full, nearly $6 million renovation of its space on Griswold. The last-free standing synagogue in Detroit is evolving with the needs of the current congregation. The project will add flexible program and event space, offices, conference rooms, and a children’s area, and more, plus a sanctuary. Stay tuned for how the Jewish community supports the revitalization of Detroit.
Location: 1457 Griswold, Detroit
SIMCHAT SHABBAT + POTLUCK KIDDUSH LUNCH
COOKING A POTLUCK PHOTO CHRISTINA RUMPF / UNSPLASH
Date & Time: Saturday, December 17, 2022
10:30 AM 01:00 PM
The next two on this list of Hanukkah events in Detroit can be found on the events page HERE on Downtown Synagogue’s website. Join them for in-person Shabbat services! They’ll also celebrate December birthdays and anniversaries in their community. Enjoy a vegetarian potluck following the services. LADS will bring the cake!
PHOTO ELEMENT5DIIGITAL/UNSPLASH
ANNUAL MEETING & HANUKKAH PARTY
Date & time:
Sunday, December 18, 2022, from 4:00 PM-6:00 PM
Stay up-to-date on the state of the synagogue and vote for the new Board members. Here comes another Downtown Synagogue event to celebrate Hanukkah in Detroit in traditional style. This Annual Meeting will be followed by a potluck dinner as everyone plays dreidel. It is requested to bring a vegetarian dish to share. IADS will provide the latkes and toppings. Bring the family for a warm and inviting night. Did we mention there will be a flame-throwing menorah?
Location: Christ Church Detroit
JEWISH TEMPLES IN DETROIT
- Congregation T’chiyah- There are several diverse, Jewish temples in the Detroit area. Here are a few. Click HERE to join the upcoming events at this inclusive worship space. They have weekly Friday night candlelighting, Shabbat services, and special events. Their mailing address is 22331 Woodward Ave, Ferndale, MI 48220.
- Congregation of Israel-Jews and Hebrews of the diaspora, including multicultural and cross-generational individuals and families are welcome in this house of worship. Click HERE to stay up on your Torah studies with their upcoming events. Located at 16251 Wyoming Avenue, Detroit, MI
- Temple Beth El (Detroit)-Remember Detroitisit’s recent It List on the brilliant architect, Yamasaki? He created the modern architecture of this Reform synagogue. Click HERE to get involved in this community. 7400 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, Michigan
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