Join us on the first night of Hanukkah to celebrate Jewish culture in Cary! The Town of Cary is partnering with the Chabad of Cary, The Jewish Federation of Raleigh-Cary and Beth Shalom to host the first Jewish Cultural Festival in Cary. All citizens are welcome to join in the festivities.

Enjoy traditional Jewish foods, crafts and hands-on activities for children, entertainment, educational displays and the lighting of a nine-foot Menorah at the beginning of this annual celebration of the Festival of Lights.

Fun, Educational Activities Include:

Artistic Menorah and dreidel displays
Candle dipping -
Clay dreidel making
Make your own menorah
Olive oil pressing
Educational displays

Children’s Art Show

Cornell Box Display - The Beth Or 3rd and 4th graders have created unique shadow boxes modeled after the artist Joseph Cornell. These shadow boxes reflect Jewish and personal themes from their daily lives.

Other Art Projects - Beautiful assortment of art projects from Beth Meyer Synagogue Religious School.

Performances through the festival time:

4:30 p.m.    Jewish / Israeli Dance
4:45 p.m.    Olive Oil Pressing Demonstration
5 p.m.        Beth Shalom Children's Choir & Play
5:30 p.m.    Jewish / Israeli Dance
5:45 p.m.    Beth Shalom Singers
6 p.m.        The Only One Club - Storytelling & puppetry by Andrea Edery & Rabbi Ariel Edery
6:45 p.m.    Lighting of the Menorah

7:30 p.m. - Capping off a great festival will be a performance by nationally known musician DAN NICHOLS.

Canned Food Donations Needed to Construct Menorah

Come see the "Can-struction"!  Marvel at a menorah constructed out of donated canned goods. Donations will be accepted at the Cary Arts Center from December 5 - 19th.  Donation not only helps create our “Can-struction”, but also supports those in need in the community. All canned food donations will go to Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, who will then distribute donations to local shelters and pantries. All donated goods should be standard canned good sizes.

Call for Unique & Artistic Menorahs and Dreidels

We are looking for unique and artistic menorahs and dreidels to display at the Cary Arts Center for the festival. Anyone interested in having their special menorah or dreidel displayed should contact Sarah Hagan (ph: 919-462-3862 or e-mail: sarah.hagan@townofcary.org) by December 13 to reserve a space. We will be accepting on a first come basis. Drop off will begin Monday, December 12 and the menorahs and dreidels will remain on display through the end of the year. Menorahs and dreidels will be returned in early January 2012.

Down Home in North Carolina - Film 

Showings at 3:15; 4:15; and 5:15 p.m.
The Down Home documentary provides a unique view of Jewish emigration to, and life in North Carolina. For more than three centuries Jews have helped transform the culture and economy of North Carolina, while the state's rich southern culture has resonated strongly with these immigrants to Dixie.
 

Contact
For more information, call (919) 469-4061.