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What to do every night of Hanukkah 2022 in NYC
(New York Jewish Week) — Hanukkah 2022 is just days away — the eight-day holiday begins Sunday, Dec. 18 and concludes the evening of Sunday, Dec. 25.
If you’re looking to celebrate the Festival of Lights beyond the annual family Hanukkah party, you’re in luck: In this great and very Jewish city of ours, there are enough Hanukkah-themed events to keep you busy the entire holiday.
We’ve put together a packed schedule of celebration for every night of the holiday — whether you’re looking for a candle-lighting ceremony, a concert or a comedy show, there’s something for everybody. If you’re not in New York or can’t make it out, be sure to check The Hub for an updated list of virtual classes, events and celebrations going on throughout the week.
Here’s our guide to eight crazy nights in NYC:
Sunday, Dec. 18
See the newest Jewish adaptation of “A Christmas Carol”
“A Hanukkah Carol, or GELT TRIP! The Musical” is a new musical that puts a Jewish spin on Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” The plot centers around Chava Kanipshin, a cruel and manipulative social media influencer who hides her Jewish identity because she was bullied as a child. But on one memorable Hanukkah, Chava is visited by spirits of the past, present and future to reckon with her life before it is too late. On the first night of Hanukkah, songs and scenes from the show will be performed in a live concert. Buy tickets for the in-person or livestream show on at 7:00 p.m. here. ($15-$50)
Celebrate with Hanukkah songs and Hebrew music
Conducted by Matthew Lazar, Zamir, one of New York’s preeminent Jewish choirs, is performing on the first night of Hanukkah. Zamir Chorale, the Hebrew-singing choir, and Zamir Noded, the young adults choir, will both sing at the Kaufman Music Center (129 W. 67th St.). The concert will also celebrate Israel’s 75th birthday. Buy tickets for the 7:30 p.m. concert here. ($40)
Watch the lighting of Brooklyn’s largest menorah at Grand Army Plaza
At Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn, Chabad of Park Slope will host their annual Hanukkah Kickoff party and concert on the first night of Hanukkah. Beginning at 4:00 p.m., the party will feature a live performance by the band Zusha, as well as latkes and gifts. The largest menorah in Brooklyn will be lit at 5:00 p.m., with nightly lighting to follow. Find more Chabad events and menorah lightings here. (Free)
Get the band together for klezmer in the park
The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music will host a Klezmer Hanukkah Celebration and jam session at the Old Stone House in Prospect Park. Led by Ira Temple, the klezmer session will be open to the public. The celebration, which will include a menorah lighting, will take place from 3:00-4:30 p.m. on the afternoon of Dec. 18. RSVP here. (Free)
Monday, Dec. 19
Skate the night away
The 15th Annual Chanukah on Ice at Wollman Rink in Central Park will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the second night of Hanukkah. The event will feature live entertainment, kosher food and the lighting of a giant ice menorah. Buy tickets and find more information here. ($28-$35)
Show your Jewish pride: Shine a Light on Antisemitism in Times Square
Shine a Light on Antisemitism will host its second annual concert and gathering in Times Square from 5:00-6:30 p.m. The event, emceed by comedian Ariel Elias, will include a public menorah lighting and is meant as a public display of Jewish pride amidst rising antisemitism. Other performers include Nissim Black, The Moshav Band, David Herkowitz formerly of the Miami Boys Choir, The Ramaz Upper School Choir and the cast of the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene’s “Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish.” The event is co-sponsored by UJA-Federation, the Jewish Community Relations Council, the Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee. Find more information here. (Free)
Naomi Levy, 36, is bringing the pop-up Hanukkah-themed Maccabee Bar to New York. (Ezra Pollard)
Tuesday, Dec. 20
Grab a specialty cocktail at the Maccabee Bar
Taking over the cocktail bar Ollie in the West Village, a Hanukkah-themed pop-up bar is headed to NYC this year. Serving unique cocktails like a Latke Sour and an Ethiopian-inspired mule alongside latkes and other Hanukkah foods, the Maccabee Bar will be open from Dec. 13 through Dec. 31. Check the website for reservations and updated hours, and read our interview with bartender and creator Naomi Levy here. (drinks $10-$16)
Menorah lighting and party in Brooklyn
Dirah, a “spiritual start-up” Chabad initiative that offers Jewish experiences for people of all affiliations and backgrounds, will host a community menorah lighting, live music and latkes at Carroll Park (291 President St.) in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn at 5:30 p.m. There will also be a fire juggling show to celebrate the festival of lights. RSVP here. (Free)
Wednesday, Dec. 21
Stand-up comedy at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan
The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan is presenting “Oy Gevalt Comedy,” hosted by Ashley Austin Morris, featuring a performance by stand-up comedian Lenny Marcus. The in-person show is on Dec. 21 at 7:00 p.m. Buy tickets here and check the JCC’s other Hanukkah offerings here, including several Hanukkah parties and nightly candle-lighting. ($10)
Thursday, Dec. 22
Join Hey Alma for a comedy showcase on the Lower East Side
Hey Alma’s Evelyn Frick will host “Get Lit, Bitch: A Hanukkah Comedy Show,” a live stand-up comedy showcase at Caveat NYC (21A Clinton St.) on the Lower East Side. The show, open to those 21 and over, begins at 7:00 pm. Featuring Jared Goldstein (Comedy Central), Benny Feldman (Just for Laughs), Sami Schwaeber (NY Comedy Festival) and Jenny Gorelick (Comedy Central). Buy tickets here for livestream or in person. ($10-$15)
Laugh and sing along at the Chanukahstravaganza in Brooklyn
Comedians Lana Schwartz and Illana Michelle Rubin host “The Sixth Annual Chanukahstravaganza!”, a standup comedy showcase at Littlefield NYC (635 Sackett St.) in Gowanus, Brooklyn. Performers include Brandon Follick, Jess Salomon, Alon Elian, Rebecca Weiser, Charlie Bardey and Anna Suzuki. The show, open to those 21 and older, runs from 8:00-10:30 p.m.. Buy tickets here. ($12)
Ira Kaplan performing with the band Yo La Tengo at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City in 2003. (Getty Images)
Friday, Dec. 23
Rock out with Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo is back this year with their annual run of Hanukkah concerts. Playing every night of Hanukkah at The Bowery Ballroom (6 Delancey St.) on the Lower East Side, the indie rock trio is known for bringing out surprise guests during their Hanukkah performances. Buy tickets before they sell out! ($50)
Indulge in all the fried foods
Yes, latkes are delicious — but why not try something different this Festival of Lights? Head out on a self-guided food tour and feast on Hanukkah treats at one of the many bakeries serving up Hanukkah-themed desserts across the city, including Balaboosta, Edith’s and Breads Bakery. Check out the New York Jewish Week’s guide to get started.
Saturday, Dec. 24
Party all night long at the Matzoball…
Christmas Eve falls on the seventh night of Hanukkah this year, which should make Matzoball, the iconic Jewish Christmas Eve bash, even more fun. This year at Harbor NYC (621 West 46th St.), Matzoball has long been the place for Jewish singles to connect and party the night away. Buy tickets here. ($50)
… or with The Streicker Center at TAO Downtown
For another Christmas Eve option, check out “The Night Before Christmas” holiday party hosted by The Streicker Outreach Center at Temple Emanu-El as part of their initiative to reach Jewish young professionals. A ticket to the party at TAO Downtown (92 9th Ave.) in the Meatpacking District includes an all-you-can-eat Asian food dinner, an open bar and dancing. DJed by Ann Streichman and Kosha Dillz. Buy tickets here. ($48)
Sunday, Dec. 25
Carry on the tradition at “Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish”
Running at the New World Stages (340 West 50th St.) for only seven weeks, the return of “Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish” is already nearing its end. The cast will be performing a matinee and evening performance on the last night of Hanukkah, and the show is the perfect way to get into the spirit of “Tradition!” Buy tickets and find showtimes here. (Tickets starting at $87)
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The post What to do every night of Hanukkah 2022 in NYC appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
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Turkish FM Hosts Hamas Delegation Ahead of Guarantors Meeting in Istanbul
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan speaks during a press conference following the inaugural meeting of the Balkans Peace Platform, a Turkish-led initiative aimed at fostering dialogue and cooperation across the Western Balkans, in Istanbul, Turkey, July 26, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Murad Seze
i24 News – Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Hamas chief Khalil al-Khayya and other senior members of the jihadist group’s political bureau in Istanbul on Saturday.
Al-Hayya, a senior Hamas negotiator, was among the terror chiefs surviving an Israeli strike on their Doha residence last month. Topics of discussion, according to the Turkish foreign ministry, included the state of the ceasefire and the flow of humanitarian aid.
The meeting comes ahead of Monday’s Istanbul gathering of the foreign ministers of the so-called “guarantor countries” as stipulated in the ceasefire plan put forth by the U.S. administration of President Donald Trump. The countries include Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile Israel determined that partial remains of three deceased individuals handed over to Israel by Hamas in Gaza overnight were not those of any of the hostages held in the war-ravaged enclave.
The bodies of 11 hostages are thought to still be in Gaza. Hamas has released 20 living hostages and handed over the remains of 17 others since a U.S.-brokered ceasefire took effect on October 10, bringing to a halt the two-year war sparked by the October 7, 2023 massacre.
The U.S.-brokered truce, which left thorny issues like the disarmament of Hamas unresolved, has seen the jihadist group reassert its control over parts of Gaza by brutal reprisals against Palestinians perceived to be hostile to its rule. The outbreaks of violence by Hamas against both Gazans and Israeli forces have tested the fragile truce.
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Syrian President Sharaa Expected to Visit Washington, US Envoy Says
FILE PHOTO: Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa addresses the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the U.N. headquarters in New York, U.S., September 24, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/File Photo
Syrian President Ahmed Sharaa will visit Washington, US Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack said on Saturday, in what would be the first visit by a Syrian head of state to the US capital.
During the visit, Syria would “hopefully” join the US-led coalition to defeat Islamic State, Barrack told reporters on the sidelines of the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain, an annual global security and geopolitical conference.
A Syrian source familiar with the matter said the visit was expected to take place within the next two weeks.
According to the US State Department’s historical list of foreign leader visits, no previous Syrian president has paid an official visit to Washington. Sharaa addressed the UN General Assembly in New York in September.
Since seizing power from Bashar al-Assad last December, Sharaa has made a series of foreign trips as his transitional government seeks to re-establish Syria’s ties with world powers that had shunned Damascus during Assad’s rule.
Barrack said Washington was aiming to recruit Syria to join the coalition Washington has led since 2014 to fight against Islamic State, the terrorist group that controlled around a third of Syria and Iraq at its peak between 2014 and 2017.
“We are trying to get everybody to be a partner in this alliance, which is huge for them,” Barrack said.
Sharaa once led Syria’s offshoot of Al Qaeda, but a decade ago his anti-Assad rebel group broke away from the network founded by Osama bin Laden, and later clashed with Islamic State.
The US-led coalition and its local partners drove Islamic State from its last stronghold in Syria in 2019. The group has been attempting to exploit the fall of the Assad regime to stage a comeback in Syria and neighboring Iraq, sources told Reuters in June.
SYRIA-ISRAEL DE-ESCALATION TALKS
Barrack earlier told the summit that Syria and Israel continued to hold de-escalation talks, which the US has been mediating. He told reporters that Syria and Israel were close to reaching an agreement but declined to say when exactly a deal could be reached.
Syria and Israel are in talks to reach an agreement that Damascus hopes will secure a halt to Israeli airstrikes and the withdrawal of Israeli troops who have pushed into southern Syria.
The Syrian source said the US is pushing for a security agreement to be agreed with Israel by the time Sharaa visits Washington.
Israel and Syria have been Middle East adversaries for decades. Despite the overthrow of Assad last December, territorial disputes and deep-seated political mistrust between the two countries remain.
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US CENTCOM Publishes Video Showing Hamas Looting Aid Truck
Hamas terrorists commandeering and looting an aid track in Gaza. Photo: From social media used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law. Via i24
i24 News – The US-led Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) on Saturday published a video showing Hamas operatives commandeering and looting an aid truck that traveled as part of a humanitarian convoy delivering needed assistance from international partners to Gazans in northern Khan Younis.
The coordination center was alerted through video surveillance from a U.S. MQ-9 aerial drone flying overhead to monitor implementation of the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, the statement said.
Operatives attacked the driver and stole the aid and truck after moving the driver to the road’s median. The driver’s status is unknown.
The CNCC is a coordination hub, established in southern Israel near the Gaza border to facilitate humanitarian, logistical, and security efforts, monitor the ceasefire agreement, and promote stabilization.
“Over the past week, international partners have delivered more than 600 trucks of commercial goods and aid into Gaza daily,” the statement read. “This incident undermines these efforts. Nearly 40 nations and international organizations represented at the CMCC are working together to help flow humanitarian, logistical and security assistance into Gaza.”