University library celebrates Hanukkah festival of lights

From 25 December 2024 to 2 January 2025, the Friedensau University Library will light a candle every day at 4 pm during the eight-day Hanukkah festival in its rooms at 39291 Friedensau, Ahornstr. 3 – and combine it with a larger or smaller event related to Jewish culture.

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated every year in the Jewish world to commemorate the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 164 BC. The eight-day festival – the date varies each year – begins this year on Wednesday 25 December 2024, in the Jewish year 5,785, and ends on 2 January 2025. The university library is using this festival, which combines light with hope, as an opportunity to offer various cultural events every day. The events are suitable for visitors of all ages; children up to the age of 12 are better accompanied by their parents or grandparents. Admission is free, but a donation for the university's cultural activities is requested. Pre-registration is requested by 15 December 2024 via email , by telephone on 03921 916–135 or in person.

The events start at 4 pm:

Wednesday, 25.12. Lighting of the 1st light  Lecture with Rabbiner Igor Mendel Itkin "Message of Hanukkah"

Thursday, 26.12. Film evening ‘The Women's Balcony’

Friday, 27.12. Cordula Hartmann reads from the children's book ‘A Feast for All’

Saturday, 28.12. Concert with guitarist Guy Woodcock (Berlin) – approx. 60 minutes.

Sunday, 29.12. Lighting of the 5th light

Monday, 30.12. Book presentation ‘For Such A Time As This’ by Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove

Tuesday, 31.12. Lighting of the 7th light

Wednesday, 1 January: Dance workshop of Yiddish dances with Mark Kovnatskiy (Hamburg) for participants of all ages. Comfortable shoes useful; no previous knowledge required. https://de.mark-kovnatskiy.com/

The highlights are specially marked; on the other days there will be a cookery course or a cookery demonstration with typical Hanukkah delicacies (also vegan/glutenfree). Games will be played and various crafts will be made. You are very welcome!