The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage invites guests of all ages and backgrounds to join together for its annual Chanukah candle lighting and hear the story of Chanukah, sing traditional songs, make holiday crafts and more on Wednesday, December 5 at 5pm. Free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Friends of the Maltz Museum (2929 Richmond Rd, Beachwood; 216-593-0575 or maltzmuseum.org)
This free family fun event celebrates the Jewish holiday of Chanukah, also known as the miracle of lights, which historically took place in Jerusalem at the Second Temple. Children and their families can tour the Museum’s special exhibition Israel: Then & Now and see a large mural of the remnants of that temple, now known as the Western Wall. To make the exhibition accessible to younger audiences, there is a children’s focused StoryWalk which uses panels from a new book called “Ari & Abigail’s Passport to Israel” paired with hands-on activities at each station. At the end of the self-guided tour, family members of all ages are encouraged to write a wish or prayer to place into a lock box that will be taken to the Western Wall in Israel. Traditionally, thousands of notes are tucked into cracks of the wall each year.
In additon to the menorah candle lighting and Israel: Then & Now children’s StoryWalk, guests can hear the story of Chanukah with Michele Stern and read their own holiday books in the PJ Library story corner. A sing-along of traidiotnal songs will be led by Temple Emanuel’s Cantor Richard Lawrence and violinist Lisa Martel. Plus, families can enjoy an assortment of holiday crafts and a scavenger hunt and take home a small holiday goodie bag.
This event is generously sponosred by Friends of the Maltz Museum. With special thanks to community partners: PJ Library and Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Young Families, Macaroni Kid and Mandel JDS. Generously sponsored by Friends of the Maltz Museum.
Following the Chanukah event, the Maltz Museum will also be open on Christmas for its annual Can-Can. Visitors are invited to “Give What You Can, Pay What You Can” on December 25. Guests can bring a canned good donation and/or pay what they can toward Museum admission. Explore the inspiring stories in Israel: Then & Now, the treasures of the Temple-Tifereth Israel Gallery, and the immigrant experiences in An American Story. Docents will be available throughout the day. Plus, get creative making New Year’s cards to be given to refugees and new immigrants. All canned goods will be donated to the Cleveland Kosher Food Pantry and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.
For more information or to register, please call 216-593-0575 or visit online www.maltzmuseum.org.
