Jewish Holidays Winter 2025 ( 5875 ) Dec 2024 – Feb 2025
JEWISH LIVING
Jewish Holidays Winter 2025 ( 5875 ) Dec 2024 – Feb 2025
Governor Glenn Youngkin at JCC Menorah Lighting , 2023
Hanukkah ( Festival of Lights )
December 25 , 2024 – January 2 , 2025
Hanukkah ( alternately spelled Chanukah ), meaning “ dedication ” in Hebrew , refers to the joyous eight-day celebration during which Jews commemorate the victory of the Maccabees over the armies of Syria in 165 B . C . E . and the subsequent liberation and “ rededication ” of the Temple in Jerusalem . The modern home celebration of Hanukkah centers around the lighting of the hanukkiyah , a special menorah for Hanukkah ; foods prepared in oil including latkes ( potato pancakes ) and sufganiyot ( jelly doughnuts ); and special songs and games
Tu BiSh ’ vat ( New Year for Trees )
January 22-23 , 2025
Tu BiSh ’ vat or the “ New Year of the Trees ” is Jewish Arbor Day . The holiday is observed on the 15th ( tu ) of the Hebrew month of Sh ’ vat . Scholars believe that originally Tu BiSh ’ vat was an agricultural festival , marking the emergence of spring . In the 17th century , Kabbalists created a ritual for Tu BiSh ’ vat that is similar to a Passover seder . Today , many Jews hold a modern version of the Tu BiSh ’ vat seder each year . The holiday also has become a tree-planting festival in Israel , in which Israelis and Jews around the world plant trees in honor or in memory of loved ones and friends .
BBYO
Grades : 8 – 12 BBYO is the world ’ s leading pluralistic Jewish youth movement . BBYO is teen-led and modeled as a high school fraternity and sorority , including two movements : Aleph Zadik Aleph ( AZA ) for boys and B ’ nai Brith Girls ( BBG ), for girls . Richmond BBYO has two chapters , an AZA chapter ( Monarchs AZA ) and a BBG chapter ( Dr . Abraham Cohen BBG ). Richmond BBYO is a part of Eastern Region which includes the communities of the Peninsula and Tidewater in Virginia and all of North Carolina . BBYO members participate in varied programs including social , education , recreational activities , community service and Israel programs . For more information on how to join , please contact Lauren Revenson , Regional Director for Eastern Region BBYO , at lrevenson @ bbyo . org .
JHub : Monthly Social & Educational Activities for 20 ’ s , 30 ’ s , 40 ’ s Adults !
Whether you are a stay-at-home parent or industry professional , the JCC ’ s new JHub Adult activity group is the place for you to connect with new and established friends . We will be hosting monthly activities at the JCC and around town in conjunction with other local organizations . If you are interested in being part of this fun new movement , please reach out to our Community Engagement Manager Pinina at pmorgan @ weinsteinjcc . org to get on the mailing list .
Chavruta with Rabbi Don Cantor
Bi-weekly Thursday Lunch & Learns at the Weinstein JCC December 5 , December 19 , January 2 ( 1:00 PM ), January 16 , January 30 12:00-12:45 PM
Experience the joy of collaborative learning ! Every two weeks on Thursdays , bring your lunch or grab something fresh from our new Kosher Grab & Go Market , and join us for a lively group discussion on curated topics . ( אָתוּרְבַח , lit . “ friendship ”) Chavruta is a dynamic , partner-based opportunity to delve into the depths of Jewish tradition by engaging directly with Jewish texts . Together , we will explore the origins and meanings of core Jewish values , while learning how they shape our lives today .
Through thoughtful discussion and collaborative inquiry , Chavruta invites you to build a deeper connection to our shared heritage , challenge assumptions , and uncover new layers of wisdom . It is an opportunity to grow intellectually and spiritually , all while fostering a meaningful , supportive partnership that enriches your Jewish learning journey .
$ 5 per class if pre-registered , $ 10 for drop-ins
Menorah Madness
Thursday , December 19 7:00-9:00 PM Dominion Payroll , Scott ’ s Addition Ages : 25 - 45
JCFR ’ s NexGen , The Bridge , Kibitz and Weinstein JCC ’ s JHub invite you to Menorah Madness — an upscale , adults-only Chanukah celebration . There will be games throughout the night and music provided by DJ David Sporn . Attendees will let their Chanukah light shine with complimentary drinks and a Build-a-Latke bar with other tasty treats . Amazing Raffle prizes such as gift cards to local shops , restaurants , and more . Wear your tacky Menorah sweater or something hipper , but definitely don ’ t miss out on this . Ages 21 + only .
$ 36 Early Bird | $ 54 at the Door
Thinking Jewishly
NEW Quarterly Sessions ! Winter class : Tuesday , February 4 , 2025 9:30-11:00 AM
Thinking Jewishly is a guided discussion group to explore meaningful ideas through a Jewish lens and with a Jewish heart . It is a place for curious and thoughtful Jews to bond together through the richness of our tradition and the vibrancy of our personal engagement .
Thinking Jewishly is our way of coming together to enliven our shared Jewish character , invigorate our passion for being Jewish and curious thinkers , and challenge and learn from one another . Welcome to a growing community of Jewish thinkers .
Welcome to a growing community of Jewish thinkers , curated by Shlomo Skaist , co-chaired by Michelle Shor , and presented in partnership with the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond .
Free to the community .
10 Weinstein JCC • 2025 Winter Activity Guide