Chanukah Events on the Shoreline 2025
Presented by Chabad of the Shoreline
www.JewishShoreline.org
Chanukah kicks off on the Shoreline with Fire and Ice on the Guilford Green
Chabad of the Shoreline invites the community to a spectacular Fire and Ice Chanukah celebration on Sunday, December 14, 2:30 to 4:30 PM, on the Guilford Green.
Festivities include professional ice carving, fresh donuts, hot cider, music and refreshments. From 2:30 to 4:00 PM, there will be a live ice-carving demonstration by a master carver, along with an ice-carving competition for non-professionals (see below). At 4:00 PM, a giant ice menorah will be lit in honor of Chanukah.
New This Year: Community Ice-Carving Competition
For the first time, this year’s event will feature a community ice- carving competition. Individuals and families are invited to participate, and no experience is required. An expert ice carver will provide guidance at the start of the event. Participants will be given ice, basic hand tools and stencils (and can bring their own hand tools and stencils, but no power tools). Applications must be submitted at www.JewishShoreline.org/Ice. The community will vote to determine the Best Ice Carving, with the winner announced during the program. All are welcome to sign up and be part of this exciting new Chanukah activity.
Free and open to the public. RSVP at www.JewishShoreline.org/Ice
Menorah Lighting on the Old Saybrook Green
Celebrate Chanukah in Old Saybrook with a festive menorah lighting on Monday, December 15 at 6:00 PM at the Town Green Gazebo.
The celebration will feature live klezmer music by East Rock Klezmer, holiday treats, and community spirit.
Elizabeth Meyer of Old Saybrook shared her appreciation for last year’s celebration: “The positive feedback we received from so many was heartwarming and serves as a testament to the beautiful town we live in. It is gratifying for the Jewish community to see a menorah in the center of town. It serves as a beacon of religious liberty and acceptance.”
East Rock Klezmer is a Connecticut-based ensemble known for its spirited performances of traditional and contemporary klezmer music. Blending lively dance rhythms with soulful melodies, the group brings the joyful sound of Eastern European Jewish music to life at festivals and community events across the region.
Free and open to the public. RSVP at www.JewishShoreline.org/Light
Chanukah Concert at the Blackstone Library in Branford
Celebrate the fourth of Chanukah with a special concert featuring Yaniv Taubenhouse and Rabbi Greg Wall on Wednesday, December 17, 6:00 to 7:30 PM, at the James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main Street, Branford.
Internationally acclaimed pianist Yaniv Taubenhouse is known for his remarkable sensitivity, emotional depth, and poetic musical voice. Critics praise him for his expressive range. Raul Da Gama of Jazz da Gama describes his music as “rarely heard even once or twice in a lifetime.”
Rabbi Greg Wall, saxophonist and composer, is known for his innovative fusion of jazz with Jewish musical traditions. “Wall plays incredibly. His improvisations are well-constructed and convincing,” writes Robert Buczek of Jazz Forum Magazine.
Light refreshments will be served. A menorah lighting will take place outdoors on the library terrace following the concert.
Space is limited. RSVP required at:
www.JewishShoreline.org/Blackstone
There is no charge to attend. Sponsors are welcome.
Complimentary Chanukah supplies
A central theme of Chanukah is to “publicize the miracle.” Chabad of the Shoreline furthers this mission by providing complimentary menorahs and candles for lighting at home, as well as small electric display menorahs for Shoreline businesses. Chabad of the Shoreline also sponsors public menorahs on town greens throughout the region. For any of these Chanukah supplies and celebration opportunities, please contact Rabbi Yossi Yaffe at chabad@snet.net.
