Hanukkah 2020 will be remembered for many things, but among the most likely will be the numerous creative, fun and heartfelt ways that people found to celebrate the holiday together, in spite of needing to remain physically apart.

Here are some great events to cap this year’s Festival of Lights with humour and amazing music, in the virtual company of Jewish friends and family nearby and around the world.

Hanukkah Israelit: Light Up the World
Thursday, December 17, 2020 I 5:00 p.m.

Celebrate the final night of Hanukkah with Jewish communities from across Canada and members of Israel’s Music Talk project. This evening of music includes songs and stories inspired by the Festival of Lights, drawn from Klezmer, Ladino, jazz, and more.

Sponsored by the World Zionist Organization, Jewish Federations of Canada-UIA, and the Canadian Zionist Federation. Register here.

Festival of Light with Matisyahu
Thursday, December 17, 2020 I 6:00 p.m.

The Jewish Federations of North America and the Secure Community Network are teaming up to present Festival of Light, a joyful end-of-Hanukkah event featuring iconic superstar Matisyahu. Dedicated to safety and security, this livestream event is a chance to take in Matisyahu’s powerful music with a global Jewish audience, and to shine the light on the need for all Jewish communities to exist and thrive, safely and securely. The livestream link will be good for 24 hours. Learn more here.

Ha-ha-hanukkah Comedy Night
Thursday, December 17, 2020 I 7:00 p.m.

If you’re looking to end Hanukkah 2020 on a lighter note, look no further than this opportunity to laugh the night away with some of the funniest people currently working the comedy circuit. Presented by Axis, Jewish Federation’s program for young adults, this uplifting event brings together top Jewish comedians from across North America, including Jacob Balshin (Toronto), Liz Glazer (Los Angeles) and Benji Rothman (Winnipeg). Register here.

Through funds raised during the Annual Campaign, Jewish Federation is able to present events like these, which connect our community with other Jewish communities in Canada, in Israel, and around the world.