Saturday, December 17, Temple Shalom members joined together in the Epstein Chapel to celebrate Hanukkah. The second annual Young Family Hanukkah Service was a huge hit and very well attended! Rabbi Ariel Boxman and Ray Farris led the Shabbat Service. “We had so much fun celebrating Shabbat and Hanukkah with song, dance and laughter!”

The service definitely included something for all ages. The traditional prayers were sung, a piece of Talmud was taught, and all the kids’ favorite Hanukkah songs were also included. The young families, along with Temple Shalom Holiday Committee, came together to provide an event that was spectacular in every way. “I was truly honored to play a small part,” exclaimed Ray Farris. With guitar in hand, he led the congregation in song. They danced on the bima and twirled like dreidels while shaking their tambourines. 

The service concluded with homemade challah, grape juice and then members enjoyed a delicious Hanukkah party complete with bread pudding, latkes, bagels, fruit and of course, sufganiyot, jelly donuts.  The highlight of the party was the build your own donut bar catered by Urban Donuts. If that wasn’t enough, kids also decorated their own donuts, t-shirts and Hanukkah decorations. They finished the morning off with a game of Minute -To- Win -It. This was a fabulous way for families to celebrate Hanukkah together.