Celebrating Hannukah in Beijing

Joshua Linder | Dec 6, 2012 2:00 pm | Add a comment | 1173 reads

This Saturday, December 8, marks the start of Hannukah, the Jewish festival of lights, which lasts eight days to commemorate a jug of oil lasting for as many days.

In my household, we would celebrate the holiday with candle lighting, latkes (potato pancakes), veal, brisket, sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), the Adam Sandler CD and a new present every night. (That usually meant that each night's present was equal to 1/8 of a good present.)

If you're looking to celebrate the holiday or try out some cultural activities, check out the list below.

Hannukah treats

The strawberry-jelly-filled doughnut-like treat known as sufganiyot are available at Beijing Pita Bakery for RMB 12 a piece. Supplies are limited; place orders two days in advance by calling Avi at 13910017709 or emailing avi@shabtais.com.

Advance orders of 10 or more of the following items are discounted:

  • Sufganiya: RMB 10/each
  • Mini-sufganiya: RMB 8/each
  • Latkes: RMB 6/each
  • 500 grams of homemade applesauce with cinnamon: RMB 40


Where to get a Hannukah meal, a menorah or service

Biteapitta
This Sanlitun kosher restaurant offers latkes and other Jewish comfort foods.

Bet Yaakov Chabad House (Lido and Jianguomen locations). On Sunday (Dec 9) at 5pm, there is the annual giant menorah at Bet Yaakov Chabad House, hosted by Chabad and the Israeli Embassy. The event is billed as being for the whole family. Dinners at the Central Chabad House are prepared by Dini's Kosher Restaurant, which also has weekday set menus featuring rib-eye steak, sushi, and 100% beef burgers. For more information, see Kosherbeijing.com.

Moscow Restaurant
On Saturday night (Dec 8) at 8pm, there will be a menorah lighting and adult dreidel game for tzedakah (charity).

There's a Hanukkah party in Tianjin next Wednesday (Dec 12). For details, contact Rabbi Sholly at 138 1015 1344.

BJU
There will be a menorah lighting at Beijing United Family Hospital (Bldg 2) next Thursday (Dec 13) at 5pm. Expect latkes!

Women can enjoy a female-only event next Thursday (Dec 13). It's at Bet Yaakov Chabad House. This starts at 8pm. Get more information from Orit at 159 0144 3455.

Finally, the Bet Yaakov Chabad House also has a Hannukah Store, where you can stock up on menorahs, dreidels, candles, chocolate coins, toys and games plus donuts and latkes. Call the store at 139 1074 0109.

Additional reporting by Ellis Friedman

You can read more from Joshua at his blog.

Photo: Todaysmama.com