A Musical Celebration of Hanukkah Wednesday

Hanukkah, the Jewish winter festival of lights, starts tonight (Dec. 20) and will be celebrated for eight days. 

The celebrations include the Seattle Jewish Chorale's family-friendly concert at Temple B'nai Torah, to which Jews and non-Jews alike are welcome.

The concert will include Rabbi James Mirel's band, the Shalom Klezmer Ensemble, and a menorah lighting.

Hanukkah celebrates the retaking of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem from the Greek Empire in the second century. According to tradition, after the battle, a one-day supply of oil kept the candles in the temple burning for eight days, and today Hanukkah is known as the Festival of Lights.

Wednesday's concert includes songs in Hebrew, English, Yiddish and Ladino—some traditional and familiar (Al Hanissim, Mi Yimalel), and others that are less well-known (Drey Dreydeleh, Hazeremos Una Merenda), and contemporary compositions including "Not in Our Town," a stirring ballad of the real-life Hanukkah triumph of light over darkness that transpired in Billings, MT, and "Heal Us Now," which was sung at the U.S. congressional healing service for Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. A coffee and tea reception will follow the concert. Hanukkah treats and other baked goods will be available for sale as snacks and gifts.

If you go

The , at Temple B’nai Torah, 15727 NE 4th St.

Tickets are available at www.brownpapertickets.com (1.800.838.3006) or at the door. Admission prices are: Adults $10 / Students & Seniors $8 / Children (under 12) $5 / Un(der)employed pay as able.

For more information, contact Michele Yanow at jewishchorale@live.com, 206.708.7518, or visitwww.seattlejewishchorale.org