Chanukah

Chanukah Celebrations at Temple Rodef Shalom

Get ready to celebrate Chanukah with us at events full of joy, music, and light! Whether your family prefers a quieter gathering or you’re looking forward to a festive evening of concerts, games, and delicious treats, we’ve got something for everyone. Check out the details below and RSVP to join the fun! What is Chanukah? Click here to read all about it.

Fri, Dec 4

6:30 PM
Family Shabbat Chanukah Evening Service

Come light the first candle on the Chanukiyah at our December Family Shabbat service. Family Shabbat, in the Sanctuary, is geared towards kids (6th grade and younger) and the teens and adults who love them. Join our Shir Harmony Youth Choir, along with our clergy and band to welcome in the first night of Chanukah.

6:30 PM
B’oi Shabbat Chanukah Evening Service

Celebrate the first night of Chanukah at Boi Shabbat in the Mishkan! An alternative to the family service, Boi Shabbat offers adults and teens an intimate, informal worship experience with an emphasis on accessible singing. Join us as we welcome Shabbat and the Festival of Lights together.

Sat, Dec 5

10:00 AM
K-2 Program: Chanukah Dosas & Storytime with Author Pamela Ehrenberg

Calling all K-2 families! Celebrate Chanukah with a delicious twist! Join PJ Library author Pamela Ehrenberg for a special reading of her delightful picture book, Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas, a heartwarming story celebrating family, Chanukah, and multicultural traditions. After the story and a short discussion, children will roll up their sleeves for a hands-on cooking activity and learn how to make their own crispy, tasty dosas to enjoy together. This festive program celebrates culture, tradition, and the joy of sharing food.

2:00-3:30 PM
Inclusive Family Chanukah Celebration

The Inclusive Family Chanukah Celebration is for families with children ten years old and younger who might prefer a quieter celebration. The activities include crafts, games, singing and snacks. Parents, grandparents, and siblings of any age are welcome. This is not a drop-off event. There is no charge to attend. For more information or if you need accommodations to participate, please email .

4:00 PM
Chanukah Candle Lighting & Concert

Join our youth musical groups to celebrate with a Chanukah Concert. Our Cantors, Shir Joy, Shir Harmony, and Rak Noar will prepare us for Chanukah through song! The concert is free, but please register for the Chanukah Festival which follows the concert. Sponsored by the Music and Performing Arts Committee.

5:00-6:30 PM
Family-Friendly Chanukah Festival

As the sun sets earlier and earlier, all of us could use a little more light in our lives. Especially the joyful light of Chanukah. Pile the whole family in the car and come on over for our Chanukah Festival! Try your hand at some dreidel spinning — to the victor belong the chocolate kisses! We’ll have activities for the kids with a special area for the preschoolers, as well as latkes and donuts and plenty of time to enjoy the warm glow of being with your Temple mishpacha (family). This celebration is geared toward families with children.

Sun, Dec 6, 6:00 PM
The Great Latke Bake-Off! Celebrate Chanukah With Rodef 2100 (20s & 30s)

Join us in Alexandria (address shared upon registration) on the third night of Chanukah for latke-eating, candle lighting, and delicious dinner! Bring your best latkes ready to eat and we’ll vote on our favorite! We’ll also have dinner and light the menorah and enjoy sufganiot (donuts). No latkes to bring? No problem! We’ll have extras ready to share. Registration coming soon.

Tue, Dec 10, 7:00 PM
Parting the Waters Film Screening

Please join us for the Washington, DC-area premiere screening of the award-winning documentary Parting the Waters, an inspiring tale of an Israeli Olympic swimmer’s grit and determination. The producer/star, Michele Kuvin Kupfer, will introduce the film. A reception with Chanukah candle lighting, latkes, and donuts will follow. We’d love to see you there!

Wed, Dec 9, 7:00 PM
Mahj & Mingle: Drop-In for Moms of Young Kids Chanukah Party

Join other moms of young children (elementary and under) for Mahj with a Chanukah twist, including latkes and DIY gelt! While we have some on-hand to borrow, we encourage you to bring your own 2026 Mah Jongg card.

Fri, Dec 11

5:00 PM
Latkes & L’Chaims: A Chanukah Gathering for Our 65+ Community

Join us for an evening of crispy, golden latkes (with all the classic toppings), a little vodka tasting, and plenty of good company. Whether you like your latkes with applesauce or sour cream, and your vodka straight or in a festive cocktail, there’s a seat for you at the table. Come for the nosh, stay for the conversation, and raise a glass to the season of light.

6:30 PM
Shabbat Chanukah Evening Service

Join our clergy and Koleinu, our volunteer choir, as we light the Chanukiah for the 8th night of Chanukah and celebrate with a sermon-in-song featuring music from Chanukah around the world. 

Sat, Dec 12

9:00 AM
Rise & Shine – Chanukah Celebration!

Join us for a special Rise & Shine to celebrate Chanukah! In addition to Tot Shabbat which meets on the fourth Saturday of every month, we also gather on the second Saturday of each month for a music-filled morning of singing, clapping, and movement with Mrs. Sara from our Early Childhood Center. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy breakfast together, this time including latkes and donuts!

6:00 PM
TRSTY & NFTY-NOVA 9th Night of Chanukah Party

Join TRSTY and Reform Jewish 8th-12th graders from around the DMV for the Chanukah Party of the year! All 8th-12th graders are invited to a night of Chanukah foods, desserts, and games. Spend the evening at TRS with all of your TRSTY and NFTY-NoVA friends! More information to come!

Chanukah Shopping Opportunities for Kids & Adults

Women of TRS Judy’s Place Set Up & Support: It’s a Mitzvah! More information | Register to help

  • Wed, Nov 11, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Drop-off & sorting
  • Thur, Nov 12, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM: Wrapping Party & setup
  • Nov 15-22: Store shifts & takedown volunteers needed

Treasures Shop Chanukah Bazaar

The Bazaar is back and better than ever – come see our new merch! All your holiday favorites, and more, will be available. Shop early, as the most sought-after items sell out quickly. Treasures is a non-profit Judaica shop run by the Women of TRS, and the net proceeds are donated to TRS and charities supporting the Reform Movement.

  • Sun, Nov 22, 8:30 AM–2:00 PM
  • Mon, Nov 23, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
  • Tue, Nov 24, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
  • Mon, Nov 30, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
  • Tue, Dec 1, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
  • Wed, Dec 2, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
  • Thur, Dec 3, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
  • Fri, Dec 4, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
  • Sat, Dec 5, 5:00–7:00 PM
  • Sun, Dec 6, 8:30 AM–2:00 PM, 4:30-6:00 PM

Judy's Place Open Hours

Judy’s Place provides a unique and convenient shopping experience for children and teens. What a lovely way to teach our children the joy of giving to others! Shop early for the best selection. All gifts are wrapped in non-holiday wrapping paper suitable for any occasion with proceeds going to charities supported by WoTRS. Click here for more information.

  • Sun, Nov 15, 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Sun, Nov 15, 5:15 PM – 7:45 PM
  • Thur, Nov 19, 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Fri, Nov 20, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Sun, Nov 22, 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM