Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft marked the beginning of the Jewish festival of lights, Chanukah, last Friday at the Bridgeside Center by lighting a 10-foot menorah. Chabad of Alameda hosted the lighting, which featured performances, crafts and other fun. Chanukah lasts eight days from the 25th day of Kislev, a month in the Jewish calendar. It commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in 165 BC after its desecration by the Syrians. The holiday is marked by the successive kindling of eight lights.
Toby Schrager, a student at Queener’s Piano Studio, performed at the tea party venue at the First Presbyterian Church associated with the Dec. 14 Alameda Family Services Holiday Home Tour. During one of his songs, an appreciative listener offered him a sandwich as a tip, which he proceeded to eat mid-performance. Carolyn Queener, piano instructor, frequently arranges for her students to play in support of local events. “Don’t eat and play at the same time!” Queener reminds local pianists.
Whether one personally celebrates a particular holiday tradition or not, it can always be fun to experience the celebrations of another culture.
On Friday, Dec. 20, Rhythmix will celebrate the holiday season Caribbean-style with musical group Bululú. This multi-talented 11-piece Bay Area band specializes in the musical traditions of Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Bululú and Rhythmix will host a full-on holiday fiesta, parranda navideña, featuring all the Caribbean music and Venezuelan food just right for the season.
Sunday, Dec. 22, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Chabad of Alameda will host a free Hanukkah Community Celebration. The third annual menorah lighting will feature a fire and LED light show as well as snacks, crafts, a raffle and more. The fun takes places on the waterfront at Nob Hill Foods, 2531 Blanding Ave.
Alameda’s Frank Bette Center for the Arts has announced its call for applications for photographers to participate in the 2020 Alameda On Camera exhibit. The 13th annual juried, photo-based, multimedia competition presents a 48-hour challenge for photographers to capture sites in the Island City from Friday, Feb. 21, to Sunday, Feb. 23, next year. The deadline to apply is Sunday, Feb. 2.
