SHARING THE WARMTH OF HANUKKAH IN LONG BEACH: A LIGHT FOR ALL

By Kevin Giser from The Jewish Long Beach

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, begins on the evening of Dec 25, 2024, and lasts through Jan 2. Hanukkah has long been a time of joy and reflection for the Jewish community around the world. Today, Hanukkah is often misunderstood as “Blue Christmas,” and the sequestered endcap in the holiday aisle won’t do much to disprove that.

However, Hanukkah is a unique holiday, with a special emphasis on presence rather than presents. The act of chasing away literal darkness with the light of the menorah is more than just a simple act. In Long Beach, this holiday resonates as a symbol of resilience, unity, and celebration, offering our community an opportunity to join with Jewish people around the world, all lighting candles. 

A Story Of Perseverance

At its core, Hanukkah commemorates the triumph of the Maccabees, a small group of Jewish families, over the oppressive forces of King Antiochus IV in ancient Israel. It’s a story of perseverance against all odds—a story that holds relevance in Long Beach. This is a city where people of varied backgrounds strive to make their voices heard and their values respected. Like the Maccabees, our community members stand up for their beliefs, creating a city that respects and celebrates all cultures.

A defining moment of Hanukkah is lighting the menorah, with each candle symbolizing a new day of light and hope. Shul By the Shore, in partnership with Temple Israel of Long Beach and Jewish Long Beach, hosts a public menorah lighting each year—a celebration that goes beyond the Jewish community, bringing people of all faiths together. As we gather to witness this tradition, we illuminate the idea that hope and courage can bring communities closer. 

As our menorahs shine brightly throughout the city, they reflect not only the enduring spirit of the Jewish people but the shared values that make Long Beach a uniquely inclusive and compassionate city. This Hanukkah, we invite everyone in Long Beach to join us in celebrating the strength that comes from unity, the beauty of tradition, and the power of light.

Celebrating Hanukkah In LB

This year, the celebration will take place at 2nd & PCH on Sunday, December 29th at 4 PM, free to attend! There will be activities for children and fun for all ages. The act of lighting a Menorah in a high-profile location shows how incredible it is to be Jewish in the United States, where we can safely gather in-person for public space Judaism. 

Please also join us for virtual candle lighting on each night of Hanukkah, which can be found on the Alpert Jewish Community Center’s Facebook page at 

facebook.com/AlpertJCC at 4pm, each night of Hanukkah.