Whether you spell the holiday with an H or CH, two Ks or one, or throw that final H on there - we welcome you to spend time with us (via Zoom) during this year's Festival of Lights. To learn more about and register for CJJ's programming, visit our calendar. 

Robeson Rises Screening and Candlelighting

WHEN: November 30, 2021 at 6:30pm - 8pm

As a proposed pipeline threatens to disrupt communities and ecosystems across North Carolina, a group of diverse activists rises up to challenge construction. The new film Robeson Rises documents their journey. Join us for a screening, hear from those involved in the campaign and to light the Chanukkah candles. 

Hinenu: NC Jews Rise Up for Queer Liberation

WHEN: December 01, 2021 at 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Join us for an evening of learning queer Torah and celebrating LGBTQ+ Jews in North Carolina! After NC Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson's recent dehumanizing comments about LGBTQ folks, and with the upcoming vote on the Equality Act in the Senate, we are coming together to lift up queer Jews' voices and affirm that we support equal rights for all because of — not in spite of — who we are as Jews.

Durham/Orange County Chapter Meeting + Chanukah Celebration

WHEN: December 02, 2021 at 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Whether you're brand new or have been with us from the very beginning, all are welcome. We plan to discuss what the working groups have been up to, the upcoming shift in our membership model, how members are feeling about the risks associated with gathering in person, and take time to celebrate the Festival of Lights. 

Raleigh Freedom Friday Vigil and Community Candlelighting

WHEN: December 03, 2021 at 5:00pm

We will be joining community members from NC NAACP, NC Poor People's Campaign, Justice Forward, and Repairers of the Breach at 200 N. Blount St at the Freedom Fridays vigil on the 6th night of Hanukkah. The Freedom Fridays vigils will be on their 11th week, demanding pardons for all wrongfully convicted people in NC and demanding the reform of the pardon system. It is building on the momentum of Gov. Roy Cooper finally granting a pardon for Dontae Sharpe who spent two dozen years in prison for a murder he did not commit. We will gather for the Friday vigil at the Governors Mansion with a community candle-lighting for Hanukkah afterward. Please wear a CJJ shirt if you have one and bring family and friends to this outdoor event. 

Check out these programs from other community organizations across the state as well. Please reach out to the respective organizations for registration information. Please email [email protected] if you would like to submit an event to be listed on this page. 

Handmade Hanukkah Market

November 14, 2021 at 10:00am - 3:00pm | Temple Beth Or

Downtown Raleigh Public Menorah Lighting

November 29, 2021 at 6:30 pm | Duke Energy Center for The Performing Arts, Raleigh

JFS of Greensboro Celebration with Friends in Senior Residences

November 30, 2021 at 7:00 pm | Zoom: Register at this link. 

6th Annual Asheville JCC Hanukkah 8K

December 12, 2021 | 236 Charlotte Street, Asheville

Celebrate Hanukkah in the Durham area with Jewish for Good at this link.

Our partners at Bend the Arc continue to light a path forward for what our communities and our country can look like. Hanukkah is eight nights of celebration and reflection, of history and hope. In that spirit, they made a special Hanukkah poster for you to display in your window, next to your menorah, or wherever feels right for you. Download the poster seen above at this link.