This year, Hanukkah begins at sunset on Saturday, Dec. 8, and ends a week later on Sunday, Dec. 16.

Temples in and around Belmont are holding services and special Hanukkah events, including:

Beth El Temple Center, Belmont

• Menorah Lighting, Saturday, Dec. 8, 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., outside the temple.
• Brotherhood Sponsored Hanukkah and Latke Party, Saturday, Dec. 8, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the temple.
• Hannukah Party, Saturday, Dec. 15, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the temple. 

Temple Isaiah, Lexington

• Benefit Performance of Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, Saturday, Dec. 8, 7-9:30 p.m., at the temple.
• Performance of Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins for Religious School Grade 3 and Up, Sunday, Dec. 9, 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., at the temple.
• Rabbi Yales Memorial Event, Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, Sunday, Dec. 9, 3-5 p.m., at the temple.

Temple Emunah, Lexington 

• Hanukkah Simhat Tot, Sunday, Dec. 9, 9-10:30 a.m., at the temple.
• Hanukkah Mak’haylah Concert, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2 p.m., at Hebrew Senior Life.
• Hanukkah-Havdallah Celebration, Saturday, Dec. 15, 4 p.m. Minhah, 5 p.m. musical Havdallah, at the temple.

Temple Shir Tikvah, Winchester

• Bringing Jewish Holidays to Life, Sunday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m., at the Ambrose School.
• Family Chanukah Celebration, Sunday, Dec. 9, 4 p.m., at the temple.
• 3rd Grade Pot Luck, Service and Chanukah Candlelighting, Friday, Dec. 14, at 5:45 p.m., at the temple.
• Shabbat Service with Chanukah Candlelighting with Rabbi Rim and Beth, Friday, Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m., at the temple.

Temple Beth Shalom of Cambridge

• Candle lighting, Friday, Dec. 14, 3:54 p.m., at the temple.
• Chanukah Havdalsh and Game Night, Saturday, Dec. 15, at the temple.

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the story of the Maccabean Revolt against Syrian rulers in present day Israel 2,300 years ago. The Maccabees wanted to rededicate Jerusalem's main temple but had only enough oil to kindle the Eternal Light for one day. The oil lasted for eight days, according to the story, and the holiday of Hanukkah was born.

TELL US: If you observe Hanukkah, what are your plans?