Hanukkah

Giant menorahs to be lit in celebration of Hanukkah starting next week

By James Jarvis
Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington’s menorah lighting in 2015 (via Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington/Facebook)

Menorah lights are set to brighten up Arlington after Hanukkah begins next Friday.

On Sunday, Dec. 10 at 5 p.m., Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington, a local branch of the global Jewish outreach organization, will light its “giant 9-foot Menorah.”

The annual event will take place at Chabad’s community center at 1307 N. Highland Street in Clarendon.

The celebrations extend to Monday, Dec. 11, with another giant menorah lighting at 5:30 p.m. at Metropolitan Park (1330 S. Fair Street), close to Amazon’s second headquarters in Pentagon City.

Both events will have “lively Chanukah music” to set the festive mood, according to their respective event descriptions. Attendees can indulge in hot potato latkes, hot cocoa, donuts and chocolate gelt. They will also receive a complimentary dreidel.

Admission is free but registration is required, as reservations are open until each event reaches capacity.

“Security will be present” at both events, Chabad Lubavitch noted.

The menorah-lighting tradition, a fixture for over a decade, often draws local officials. Previously, the events were held at the Pentagon Row ice skating rink and outside the Clarendon Metro station.

Photo via Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington/Facebook

Morning Poll: Are you sick for the holidays?

By ARLnow.com
A box of Kleenex next to a small Christmas tree (staff photo)

We’re three days away from Christmas and in the midst of Hanukkah — and holiday travel is in full swing, storm and all.

While the winter storm is causing travel havoc, illnesses are also disrupting holiday plans. Covid is on an upswing locally while, at the same time, numerous other viruses — including but not limited to flu and RSV — are circulating.

From Axios yesterday:

“This year what you’re seeing is a true rebound of flu-like illnesses,” said Manoj Gandhi, senior medical director at Thermo Fisher Scientific. “It’s certainly bad.”

While much has been made of the so-called tripledemic of flu, RSV and COVID, but there’s actually more of a “septo-demic,” said Peter

Hotez, dean at the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, in an interview posted last week with the American Medical Association.

That counts para influenza, rhinovirus, metapneumovirus and pneumococcus as part of the mix, he said.

“They’re working in different combinations and causing a lot of kids to be admitted to the hospital, as well as seniors. This is accounting for a big surge in hospitalizations,” Hotez said.

As of Wednesday, Arlington County was still within CDC’s “low” Covid level, but a flip to “medium” could be imminent. The number of weekly reported cases per 100,000 people is 170, below the “medium” threshold of 200. Weekly Covid hospital admissions per 100,000 people, meanwhile, are at 9.2, just shy of the threshold of 10.

The average daily case rate in Arlington, according to Virginia Dept. of Health data, rose to 63 yesterday amid 110 new reported cases.

Covid cases in Arlington as of 12/21/22 (via Virginia Dept. of Health)

Anecdotally, that case rate — which is based on positive cases reported to VDH and excludes at-home testing not otherwise reported to health authorities — feels low. Talk to Arlington residents, especially those with kids in school or daycare, and close Covid contacts abound.

Likewise, many seem to be in the middle of or getting over a cold, a case of the flu, a sinus infection or another ailment. Even among the nominally healthy there are coughs and runny noses.

So today we’re wondering: how many of you are currently sick? And have your holiday plans been disrupted due to illness?

Arlington celebrating Hanukkah with menorah lightings this month

By Matt Blitz
Rabbi Mordechai Newman lights the menorah at Chanukah on Ice 2012 at Pentagon Row (file photo)

Arlington is set to celebrate the festival of lights with two menorah lightings later this month.

Hanukkah begins the night of Dec. 18 this year, but the menorah is going to be lit a bit early this year in Pentagon City.

The annual “Chanukah on Ice” event at the Pentagon Row ice skating rink is set for Thursday, Dec. 15 at 5:30 p.m. Organized by the Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington, the evening will feature skating, hot latkes, kosher hot dogs, a raffle, and the lighting of a six-foot menorah.

This family-friendly celebration will also include ice skating, latkes, kosher hot dogs, a raffle, and the lighting of a six-foot menorah for the fifth night of Hanukkah. It will take place from 6-8 p.m.

In case of heavy rain, the rink will be closed.

This fire and ice event has been going on for at least a decade and, often, local officials show up to help light the menorah.

Another Hanukkah celebration is planned a few days later in Clarendon.

“Light Up Arlington” is set for Tuesday, Dec. 20, the third night of Hanukkah, at 1307 N. Highland Street. This event is also being hosted by Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington and being held outside, in front of its community center.

There will be latkes, donuts, chocolate gelt, dreidels, hot cocoa, the lighting of a nine-foot menorah, and “lively” Hanukkah music. It begins at 6 p.m.

This event is free, but there’s limited capacity.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Hanukkah Safety Reminders — “Happy Hanukkah from the ACFD. During this special time, please remember a few safety tips. 1 – Battery powered candles are a safer choice to open-flame candles. 2 – Never leave lit candles unattended. 3 – Keep lit candles away from items that can easily catch fire.” [Twitter]

Trail Detours Start Tomorrow — From the Arlington Dept. of Environmental Services: “Wednesday – Friday: Expect marked detours along Lucky Run Trail due to maintenance work, weather-permitting.” [Twitter]

Road Closures for 5K Race — “The Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell 5k Run/Walk for Arthritis will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2021. The Arlington County Police Department will conduct the following road closure from approximately 6:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. to accommodate the event: S. Joyce Street, between 15th Street S. and Army Navy Drive.” [ACPD]

Drama at Rosslyn-Based Politico — “Politico is known for its wildly popular Playbook newsletter, its vast reporting talent pool, and its success as the most widely recognized Beltway-centric publication. But behind the flashy exterior, billion-dollar sale, and massive draw of their star reporters lies a series of burgeoning newsroom conflicts. From personnel issues, including complaints about internal ‘woke police,’ to a divisive unionization drive, to increasing competition in the profitable D.C. newsletter space, tensions appear to be growing.” [Daily Beast]

Mild Start to December on Tap — “NOAA’s 6-10 [day], 8-14 [day] and 3-4 [week] outlooks all toasty for large parts of the Lower 48. Not a great look for big winter storms or sustained cold although confidence in mild pattern decreases by mid-December.” [Twitter, Capital Weather Gang]

Spotted This Morning: Flurries — Updated at 8:50 a.m. — We spotted very light snow falling in North Arlington around 8 a.m. today. The local National Weather Service office says these were the first flakes of the season and more flurries are possible this morning. [Twitter]

It’s Tuesday — Today will be partly sunny, with a high near 49. South wind 6 to 8 mph. Sunrise at 7:07 a.m. and sunset at 4:46 p.m. Tomorrow there is a chance of showers after 1 p.m., but otherwise it will be partly sunny, with a high near 50. [Weather.gov]

Light the menorah at the annual “Chanukah on Ice” in Pentagon City

By Matt Blitz
1/3

Hanukkah is here and it’s again time to light the menorah flame while on ice.

The annual “Chanukah on Ice” event is back this year, set to take place this Thursday (Dec. 2) evening outside on the Pentagon Row Ice Skating Rink in Pentagon City.

The event, organized by the Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington, will include skating, latkes, kosher hot dogs, a raffle, and the lighting of a six-foot menorah for the fifth night of Hanukkah. It will take place from 6-8 p.m. and is family-friendly.

In case of heavy rain, the ice skating rink will close, but as of right now, weather looks clear and seasonably warm for Thursday.

This fire meets ice holiday event has been held for at least a decade. In past years, Arlington officials have provided their presence and helped light the menorah. No word yet who might be there this year, though.

“Chanukah on Ice” isn’t the only festival of lights event going on this week in Arlington.

On Tuesday night (Nov. 30), the Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington will also host a menorah lighting outside of the organization’s headquarters at 1307 N. Highland Street in Clarendon starting at 6 p.m. There will be music, latkes, dredels, chocolate, and pre-packaged jelly donuts for all.

Congregation Etz Hayim at 2920 Arlington Blvd is putting on a family Hanukkah party on Sunday (Dec. 5), the last day of the holiday. Games, magic, and latkes will be the entertainment, plus there’ll be a sock collection for local non-profit Bridges to Independence.

Hanukkah (or “Chanukah”), the festival of lights, began last night and will continue for eight nights. The holiday will conclude next Sunday night (Dec. 5).

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah From ARLnow

By ARLnow.com

It’s Christmas Eve and the third night of Hanukkah, and nothing is stirring in the ARLnow offices, not even Vernon Miles — because we’re taking the next day and a half off.

ARLnow will be back on a limited coverage schedule on Thursday. Of course, if there’s breaking news, we’ll be on top of it no matter what holiday or day of the week it is.

We wish you and yours a very merry Christmas and happy Hanukkah. Feel free to use the comments to discuss your favorite Arlington holiday memories or whatever locally-relevant topic might be on your mind.

Six-Foot Menorah Coming to Clarendon For Hanukkah

By Kalina Newman

A six-foot menorah will be lit in Clarendon next week in celebration of Hanukkah.

This year, the Jewish holiday begins at sunset on Sunday (Dec. 22) and ends on Monday, Dec. 30.

The Light Up Arlington event will take place in Clarendon Central Park (3140 Wilson Blvd) on the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 25 — also known as Christmas Day. Sponsored by Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington, the lighting of the menorah will begin at 6 p.m.

Hot potato latkes will be served, and traditional chocolate gelt and dreidels will be given out. The event is free to attend, and there will be a live musical performance.

The following evening, the same organization plans to host a Hanukkah festival in Old Town, Alexandria, where they will similarly light a giant menorah.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Menorah Lighting in Clarendon Tonight — “Arlington Police Chief Jay Farr will light the menorah at a Chanukah Festival of Lights ceremony, to be held on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. at Clarendon Central Park.” [InsideNova]

County Spraying Brine on Roads — Ahead of a possible snowstorm this weekend, the odds of which are increasing, Arlington County is applying brine to some local roadways. [Twitter]

Most of Va. Feeling Good About HQ2 — “There may be some angst in Arlington over Amazon.com Inc.’s impending entrance to the market, but overall, the state is feeling good about HQ2.” [Washington Business Journal]

Nearby: Bush 41’s Favorite Chinese Restaurant — “In a non-descript Falls Church strip mall, a culinary secret: the Peking Gourmet Inn, where George H.W. Bush dined with his family more than a hundred times over the last thirty years. The restaurant even had plaques for the president and his wife Barbara on two of their chairs, and a window with bullet-proof glass to protect Bush as he dined at a semi-private table with Secret Service only feet away.” [WJLA]

Photo courtesy Andrew Clegg

Hanukkah Celebrations Planned Around Arlington Next Week

By Catherine Douglas Moran

Now that Thanksgiving is over, Hanukkah celebrations are right around the corner.

This year, the Jewish holiday begins at sunset on Sunday (Dec. 2) and ends the following Monday, Dec. 10.

Arlington is ready for the festivities to begin, with seven events planned in the area for locals to attend during Hanukkah.

  • Dec. 2: Chanukah at Kol Ami — The Northern Virginia affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Movement is set to sing and play dreidel at its potluck. Attendees are asked bring their menorahs, candles and pre-cooked food.
  • Dec. 2: Light Up Your Shabbanukkah Table — OneTable will be at the Crate & Barrel on Clarendon Blvd to learn how to get your table ready for the Festival of Lights.
  • Dec. 4: Chanukah in Clarendon — Spider Kelly’s will have a menorah lighting and dreidel tournament. The $18 admission includes a drink ticket, latkes and unlimited darts, pool and shuffleboard.
  • Dec. 5: Clarendon Chanukah Menorah Lighting — The free event at Clarendon Central Park will include the lighting of a six-foot menorah and hot potato latkes, chocolate gelt and dreidels.
  • Dec. 6: Chanukah on Ice — Head to the Pentagon Row Ice Rink for the lighting of a six-foot menorah, a free raffle, ice skating and kosher hot dogs. Tickets, which include the skate rental, bought before Monday (Dec. 3) are $10 and $13 after.
  • Dec. 6: Festival of Lasers — Compete in laser tag to celebrate Hanukkah at the Ultrazone Laser Tag in Falls Church. Tickets are $25.
  • Dec. 7: Shabbat-Hanukkah Party — The Congregation Etz Hayim’s monthly potluck will turn into a Hanukkah party after Shabbat services at 6:15 p.m. After kiddush and motzi, the group will serve latkes alongside the potluck, sing songs and play Hanukkah games.

File photo

Outdoor Hanukkah Celebrations Planned in Arlington

By Chris Teale

Two outdoor ceremonies are planned in Arlington next week to mark the start of Hanukkah.

The Jewish holiday begins on the evening of Tuesday, December 12, and concludes on the evening of Wednesday, December 20.

Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington will light a six-foot Menorah on Wednesday, December 13 at Clarendon Central Park (3140 Wilson Blvd) at 6 p.m. Attendees can eat hot potato latkes, chocolate gelt coins and play with dreidels. The event will also include live traditional music.

The following day, Thursday December 14, from 6-8 p.m., Pentagon Row will host the annual Chanukah On Ice celebration at its outdoor ice rink (1201 S. Joyce Street).

The evening will include the lighting of a six-foot Menorah, hot potato latkes, kosher hot dogs and a free raffle. Reservations are required.

In Alexandria, meanwhile, Chabad Lubavitch will light its six-foot Menorah in a public celebration on Monday, December 18 at 6:30 p.m. Alexandria Police Chief Michael Brown will light the Menorah at The Lyceum (201 S. Washington Street, Alexandria), with live entertainment and traditional food included.

File photo

ARLnow Holiday Weekend Discussion

By ARLnow.com

Wreaths on gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery 2016 (Flickr pool photo by John Sonderman)

The team behind ARLnow.com wishes you and yours a very merry Christmas and a happy Hanukkah this weekend.

Barring major breaking news, we will be taking a brief holiday hiatus until Tuesday morning. In the meantime, you’re welcome to discuss the holiday or any other topic of local interest in the comments.

We leave you with the following original poem, written by local resident James Miller in iambic trimeter. It’s entitled “Christmas in Rosslyn.”

Christmas here in Rosslyn.
Lights shine like the dawning.
The wreaths are strewn across
Storefront and the awning.

Christmas here in Rosslyn.
Many a sight be seen
on Wilson Boulevard.
Baubles of red and green.

Christmas here in Rosslyn.
The new buildings in grow.
Progress for the new year.
Concrete with hope, we sow.

Christmas here in Rosslyn.
Iwo Jima lights dark.
Heroes for a nation.
In ground we leave their mark.

Christmas here in Rosslyn.
Cemetery sits cold.
Wreaths lie in remembrance.
The sacrifice of old.

Christmas here in Rosslyn.
The few do still recall.
The true love offered for
The victims of the Fall.

Christmas here in Rosslyn.
May we remember why
The gift we all receive
The day our death did die.

Flickr pool photo by John Sonderman

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