Hanukkah begins December 11 (first candle December 10) and ends December 18.
The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford has advice about how to engage grandchildren in giving this Hanukkah.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford has a complete list of synagogues in the Greater Hartford and Middletown areas.
Chabad.org answers all questions about celebrating Hanukkah during COVID including tips for home service, car-menorah parades, and zoom menorah lightings.
Mandell JCC will have daily outdoor candle lighting during Hanukkah weather permitting beginning December 10 at 4:00 p.m.
December 13 West Hartford
On December 13, the third night of Hanukkah, West Hartford celebrates with “Fire On Ice” in the Town Hall parking lot at 4:00 p.m. The popular annual celebration is being converted to a drive-in event to allow for COVID-19 social distancing and restrictions. Celebrants are asked to stay in their vehicles and watch the event with the help of a giant LED wall.
A master ice-carver will sculpt “a giant Menorah from a raw block of ice, at what has become of West Hartford’s mega-events, and the largest Chanukah celebration in the state,” according to event organizers.
“The menorah serves as a symbol of light and hope for us today amidst the darkness of the pandemic, as it did for generations before us,” said Rabbi Shaya Gopin of Chabad House of Greater Hartford in a statement. “The flames of the menorah shine out into the night, reminding us that even when confronted with much darkness, a tiny light can dispel it all. Another act of goodness and kindness, another act of light, can make all the difference.”
Each car will receive a Chanukah kit with a Menorah, games, crafts, cookies, a puzzle, and gelt. Drinks and donuts will be available during the evening as well.
American Chassidic singer benny Friedman will perform live on stage.