As the holidays approach, Vancouver's Jewish community is getting ready to celebrate too.
In 2022, Hanukkah, sometimes Chanukah or another of the holiday's 24 spellings, is observed Dec. 18-26.
The eight-day holiday is celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, prayers, and fried foods. Hanukkah commemorates the miracle of a one-day oil supply lasting eight days after the Maccabean revolt.
Here is where you can find Jewish foods, Judaica, and Hanukkah events around Vancouver:
Where to get menorahs, candles, and other Judaica
Jewish ceremonial art, often referred to as Judaica, encompasses objects used in ritual purposes, from Shabbat to Hanukkah to Passover. During Hanukkah, menorahs, dreidels, gelt holders (gelt is money given as presents during Hanukkah), and Hanukkah candles or oil are all Judaica used during the festival.
Those looking to get Hanukkah Judaica can visit:
Where to get challah and Jewish foods
Most Jewish restaurants and businesses reside around Oak Street between Broadway Street and 49th Avenue, with hotspots at the intersections of Oak and King Edward streets and at Oak Street and 41st Avenue.
Many offer both challah and Jewish cuisine. If you're looking for one or the other, or both in one shopping trip, stop by these local businesses:
- Sabra offers both challah and babka as well as other Jewish kosher foods.
- Omnitsky can be found as both a grocery store and a restaurant with a soup and sandwich bar.
- Max's Deli and Bakery has a deli, bakery, and catering service.
There are other bakeries around Vancouver that, though aren't Jewish, do sell challah, like Bigsby and Breka. Seigel's Bagels doesn't have challah or babka but does have rugelach, however only at their Cornwall Avenue location.
Though Jewish foods and challah can be found in bigger grocery stores too, these Vancouver businesses are great local spots to check out in time for Hanukkah and other Jewish holidays.
Hannukah events
Though many will be celebrating with families and friends, there are also several community events happening around the city.
To kick off the week-long celebration, a giant menorah will be set up in downtown Vancouver alongside the nearly 80-foot-tall Christmas tree. It will be lit on the first night of Hanukkah.
When: Dec. 18, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Where: Art Gallery Plaza - 750 Hornby St
Cost: Free
Jewish young adults in their 20's and 30's are invited to Axis' Hanukkah party. There will be traditional treats, drinks, dancing, and karaoke.
When: Dec. 15, 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
Where: Privé Kitchen and Bar - 1001 W Broadway
Cost: $18
Jewish families are invited to a Hanukkah celebration at Science World where there will be entertainment, music, and Hanukkah treats such as latkes, sufganiyot, and gelt.
When: Dec. 10, 6-8 p.m.
Where: - Eureka World, Science World -
Cost: Child $12-15; Adult $18-25; Family $36-45
