Temple celebrates Hanukkah
By Avi Rutschman avi@theacorn.com

Congregation B’Nai Emet, a Reform temple that serves the Jewish population of Simi Valley and Moorpark, is hosting activities to celebrate the holiday of Hanukkah.

The festivities were launched with a menorahlighting ceremony led by Rabbi Michele Paskow and Cantor Michael Russ at the Regal Center in Simi Valley on Wednesday night. In addition to the lighting, the program also featured a performance by the synagogue’s preschool students and Hanukkah songs led by the older students.

The temple will celebrate the first night of Hanukkah tonight, Dec. 15 with a special Sabbath ceremony beginning at 8 p.m. The services will be led by Jeffrey Roesch, who will be made a bar mitzvah during the weekend, and will include song and dance in addition to the lighting of the menorah. All are invited to attend, and traditional Hanukkah snacks, including jelly doughnuts and “sufganiot,” will be served.

On Sunday night, Valley View Middle School will host a Hanukkah dinner show presented by students at B’Nai Emet.

For more information about Hanukkah events in Simi Valley, call (805) 581-3723 or visit www.congregationbnaiemet.org.