Melbourne: What’s On this Chanukah

Eight nights of splendour

Prepare to have plans every night of Chanukah as the eight-day Pillars of Light Festival will be running at Federation Square every night of Chanukah. Organised by the ARK Centre, the events will kick off on Sunday, November 28, for a celebration of multiculturalism with a 12-foot high chanukiah. Each night will also see free live performances featuring local multicultural, faith and Indigenous artists.
The Governor of Victoria, the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, the Deputy Premier and the Leader of the Opposition are among the VIPs set to join the celebrations, along with a range of special guests.
For more information on Pillars of Light, visit fedsquare.com/events/pillars-of-light. To book tickets, visit pillarsoflight2021.eventbrite.com.au

Celebrate in the city

On the evening of Tuesday, November 30, Chabad Melbourne will be hosting Chanukah in the City at the Sheraton Melbourne. Starting at 7.30pm, the menorah lighting and cocktail party will feature Deputy Premier James Merlino, Leader of the Opposition Matthew Guy, former chief scientist of Australia Alan Finkel, Israeli charge d’affaires Ron Gerstenfeld and world-renowned chazan Shmuel Feldman, followed by musical entertainment and a catered buffet.
Chanukah in the City will take place on Tuesday, November 30, 7pm, at the Sheraton Hotel. To book tickets, call (03) 9525 9929.

The Chanukah Wipe Out

Chabad Malvern is bringing a carnival and BBQ to kick off the first night of Chanukah, complete with jumping castle, animal farm, craft tables and all the treats from popcorn to slurpees. And if you’re feeling risky, a wipe out eliminator ride will be there to throw you into the Chanukah spirit.
Chanukah Carnival and BBQ will be on Sunday, November 28, from 3-7pm at Chabad Malvern.
Book your tickets at chabad.com.au/chanukah2021

Family fun

St Kilda Shule is rearing its gears for a wonderful family pre-Shabbat Chanukah party on Friday, December 3. With delicious food, music and kids’ outdoor activities on offer, there’ll be no better way to kick off Chanukah Shabbat this year. The Chanukah Party will be on Friday, December 3, at St Kilda Shule.
For more information head to stkildashule.org.au

Menorahs, Mojitos & Mad Trivia

For the young adults on the hunt for a Chanukah party, South Caulfield Shule’s mad trivia Chanukah event on Thursday, December 2 is the place to be. Get ready to test your knowledge while celebrating the festival of lights and sampling the delicious mojitos on offer. Menorahs, Mojitos & Mad Trivia is happening on Thursday, December 2 from 7–9.30pm at South Caulfield Shule.
To book tickets, head to schc.org.au/ya

Jump into the festivities

Chabad Sparks and South Caulfield Shule are teaming up to inflate the Chanukah celebrations with a Chanukah party at Inflatable World. Bounce into the first night festivities with an array of jumping castles and inflatable obstacle courses. With children under 2 years old welcome to join for free, there will also be an exclusive jumping area for toddlers, making it easy for the whole family to celebrate. Soccer games and dinner will be included in the ticket. Chanukah at Inflatable World is from 4.40 – 6.30pm on Sunday November 28 at Inflatable World Oakleigh.
To book tickets, head to schc.org.au/inflatable

Walking together, celebrating together

Get active and walk together in support of the wishes of the First Nations community to establish a Voice to Parliament as called for by the Uluru Statement from the Heart. JCCV, B’nai B’rith Victoria, together with other Jewish organisations, are coordinating a number of community walks leading to the Fed Square on Sunday, December 5 for the eighth night of Chanukah. The celebrations will take place at Federation Square, with a smoking ceremony and the lighting of the Ark Centre’s Pillars of Light Grand Menorah to follow. Walking Together will take place on Sunday 5 December at Federation Square.
For more information, call 9272 5566.

Party at Landcox Park

Brighton Shule is taking first night Chanukah to the great outdoors with a free family event at Landcox Park. Music, crafts, games, prizes and hot dogs are on the agenda for a celebration for the whole family for first night. Bring those dreidels! Chanukah in Landcox Park will begin from 6pm on Sunday 28 November, with a 7pm candle lighting celebration, at Landcox Park on Mavis Avenue in Brighton.

Chanukah on Acland

Whether you’re in the neighbourhood or stopping by in between events, Elwood Shule is taking the Festival of Lights to the streets of St Kilda, with live music, latkes, doughnuts and a grand menorah lighting on Acland street on Sunday, 28 November.
Grand Menorah Lighting will take place at 7pm on Sunday 28 November on the corner of Acland Street and Barkley Avenue in St Kilda.

Donuts and Daiquris at Caulfield shule

Join the party at Caulfield shule from 6:30pm next Friday (3rd) and enjoy a refreshing cocktail or three and some sugary treats as you get your Friday night fever on. If you’re looking for an exciting afternoon out with the whole family, jump into next Sunday’s (5th) celebrations at the shule as they throw their Chanukah Extravaganza. If you’d rather some time to yourselves, check-in at the adults illusionist show, featuring magician Luke Hocking, which will be held on Tuesday the 30th of November between 7:30-9:30pm.

To discover more events and to register, go to caulfieldshule.com.au/whatson

The world’s first Menorah bicycle

Come on down to the CBD’s gardens on first night of Chanukah to witness the Rabbi on the world’s first magical Chanukah menorah bike! Those who dare to witness the miracle presented by East Melbourne Shule will receive a treat. Additional locations in the inner Northern suburbs are available upon request.
The Menorah Bike will be in Darling Gardens at 3pm on Sunday, 28 November, or 4.30pm at Fitzroy Gardens.
Register your interest at melbournecitysynagogue.com/chanukah

Get virtual & creative

Ever wanted to try out graffiti but didn’t want to stain the walls? Now you can with East Melbourne Shule’s virtual reality graffiti blast Chanukah party. Alongside the VR experience, highlights will include jumping castle, specialty latke bar, dreidel pinata and menorah art. The VR Chanukah Party will take place from 5.30-7.30pm on Sunday 28 November.
Tickets can be booked at trybooking.com/BVLNG

Prepare for Shabbat

If you’re looking for a special welcome into Shabbat during Chanukah this year, East Melbourne Shule is offering music, latkes and doughnuts, and menorah lighting, followed by a vibrant Friday night service at the recently restored shule building.
The festivities and Shabbat service will be begin at 6.30pm on Friday 3 December at East Melbourne Shule.
Register your interest at melbournecitysynagogue.com/chanukah/