OCCUPY CHANUKAH
The New Shul — Greenwich Village’s “progressive, independent, creative community” committed to exploring “meaningful ways to experience Jewish life and ritual in the 21st century” — puts an innovative spin on that goal, with “Occupy Chanukah.” After taking over Washington Square Park (for the night, at least), the light sculpture they create will, when finished, “shine a light on the miracle of Chanukah and send a message of hope and peace to our community and the world.” In addition to sculpture’s pleasing aesthetics, this unique “Occupy” movement sweetens its admirable message with the distribution of hot chocolate and hot latkes — and the opportunity to dance off that caloric indulgence (to the music of the Klezmer/Eastern European/Yiddish song/World Music band Litvakus.
Free. Tues., Dec. 20, at 5:30pm. At the Arch Plaza in Washington Square Park (between the arch and the fountain). In the event of harsh winter weather conditions, get cancellation info at newshulblog.blogspot.com. For info, call 212-284-6773 or visit newshul.org.
CHANUKAH FAMILY FESTIVAL
Chabad of Battery Park City invites you to see the lighting of a giant balloon menorah, decorate doughnuts, create crafts, eat hot latkes, dance and have your photo taken with Judah the Maccabee!
Tues., Dec. 20, 4-5:30pm ($18 per family). At the Museum of Jewish Heritage (Edmond J. Safra Plaza, 36 Battery Place). For more info (and to RSVP), visit chabadbpc.com.
WINTER HOLIDAYS AT 92YTRIBECA
Take a fresh, hot latke (the incredibly delicious potato pancake that’s a happy Hanukkah staple). Then top it off with sour cream or applesauce. Then eat, regroup, repeat. The only thing that could possibly make the experienced better is…beer. 92YTribeca’s 4th annual “Beer + Latkes Hanukkah Celebration!” brings these two heavenly tastes together under one very happy roof. Brooklyn Brewery’s beer expert Dan Moss will present delicious beer pairings to compliment 92YTribeca head chef Russell Moss’s innovative and daring latke creations. Need three more reasons to go? How about candle lighting, dreidel spinning and a rousing game of Hanukkah trivia? Bonus Feature: If these spirited festivities aren’t enough to quell your holiday angst, Rabbi-in-Residence Dan Ain will be on call to field your “December dilemma” questions (preferably before you’ve had that second drink). Thurs., Dec. 22, at 7pm. Tickets are $18 in advance, $22 at the door.
Lonely Christians, moody atheists and bored Jews:
Three groups who really need to get out of the house on Christmas. Fortunately, NYC has a wealth of movie theaters and Chinese restaurants to help make the season bright. But why schlep all over town when you can have your meal and your movie in the same place? “Chinese and a Movie” delivers two action-packed Spielberg classics (“Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Jurassic Park”) and an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet (with booze available at the bar!). Sun., Dec. 25. Doors open at 2pm. $25 in advance, $30 at the door. “Raiders” screens at 2:30pm; “Park,” at 4:30pm. The buffet spread begins at 2pm and ends when it’s all gone.
These events take place at 92YTribeca (200 Hudson St.). Call 212-601-1000 or visit 92YTribeca.org. For Facebook: facebook.com/92YTribeca.
HANUKKAH CONCERT: THE MACAROONS
Indie and kiddie music fans, unite! The Macaroons — a spinoff band from acclaimed rockers The LeeVees — are brining their equally acclaimed kid-centric songs to The Jewish Museum for three shows in one day. Many of the tunes will be from their 2010 debut album (“Let’s Go Coconuts”). The band’s guitar-based sound references everything from the Kinks to Queen to the Shins. Parents will fondly recall music from their youth; and kids will discover the music of their youth.
Appropriate for children ages 3-9. On Sun., Dec. 25, at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. At The Jewish Museum (1109 Fifth Ave., at 92nd St.). For tickets ($20; $15 for children). For info, call 212-423-3337 or visit thejewishmuseum.org.
THE MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE: “I LIFT MY LAMP”
On December 25, “I Lift My Lamp: A Statue-esque Hanukkah” pays homage to poet Emma Lazarus and the Lady of the Harbor, by featuring Statue of Liberty-inspired crafts and films (all activities are free with Museum admission). At 11am, a young Russian immigrant mouse gets separated from his family while arriving in America, in the 1986 animated film “An American Tail.” Lady Liberty also makes cameos in Hitchcock’s 1942 fugitive tale “Saboteur” (at 1pm) and in 1985’s “Ghostbusters II” (at 3pm). The craft activities, for ages 3 to 10, take place from 12-3:30pm. Tours of the exhibit “Emma Lazarus: Poet of Exiles” will be given throughout the day.
At the Museum of Jewish Heritage — A Living Memorial to the Holocaust (Edmond J. Safra Plaza, 36 Battery Place). For info, call 646-437-4202 or visit mjhnyc.org. Follow the museum, on Facebook, and at twitter@MJHnews.
— COMPILED BY SCOTT STIFFLER
