[KHTS] – Hanukkah has been celebrated by Jewish families across the world for thousands of years. This year, synagogues and Jewish congregations around the Santa Clarita Valley want to invite the community to celebrate the Festival of Lights with special events and services.

This year, Hanukkah begins Wednesday at sundown and ends on Thursday, Dec. 5 at sundown.

The eight-day holiday commemorates the rededication of the Jewish temple after the occupying Syrians had been successfully driven out of Jerusalem around 165 B.C., according to Jewish tradition.

Santa Clarita’s three Jewish synagogues, Temple Beth Ami, Congregation Beth Shalom and the Chabad Jewish Center are all hosting separate services, in addition to coming together for community events.

Congregation Beth Shalom of Santa Clarita

On Friday at 8 p.m., Beth Shalom will host a Hanukkah program at their campus on Centre Pointe Parkway. The evening will feature a guest cantor–a Jewish prayer leader who specializes in prayers set to music. The service is free and open to the public. Call  661-254-2411 for more information.

Temple Beth Ami

Temple Beth Ami will also host a Hanukkah service on Friday at 8 p.m. Held at their synagogue on Hilse Lane in Newhall, the program will feature a traditional Sabbath service, Hanukkah songs and special recognition for one Beth Ami family, selected for the Volunteer Family of the Year Award. Call 661-255-6410 for more information.

Chabad of the Greater Santa Clarita Valley

Another Friday night service is happening at the Chabad Jewish Center on Lyons Avenue in Newhall at 6 p.m. The joint Thanksgiving and Hanukkah celebration will feature a four course meal, holiday songs and a Hanukkah game. Tickets are $20 per person. RSVP to 661-254-3434.

Santa Clarita Hanukkah Events

On Saturday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m., Temple Beth Ami will be in Stevenson Ranch to light their community menorah, at Stevenson Ranch Parkway and Holmes Place.

On Sunday, Dec. 1 from 5 to 6 p.m., all three synagogues will come together at Westfield Valencia Town Center for a Hanukkah Festival. There will be grafts, games, hot latkes, live entertainment, a raffle and a lighting of a giant menorah. This event is free and open to the public.

On Monday, Dec. 2, starting at 5 p.m., families can skate during the “Chanukah on Ice” celebration at the Valencia Ice Station, sponsored by Chabad of SCV. There will be music, free dreidels for the children, a kosher food stand and a giant menorah lighting. Admission is $10 per person, skates included. RSVP to Chabad.

On Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 2 and 3, members of Beth Ami will hold Hanukkah storytime at Barnes and Noble on Valencia Boulevard. Monday’s event at 12 p.m. will be geared toward toddlers. The storytime on Tuesday at 7 p.m. is geared told older children and families. Music and refreshments will be provided.