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Brooklyn Hanukkah Guide

2012 Quick Overview

By , About.com Guide

The year-end "Festival of Lights," Hanukkah, is a joyous time for families, parties and of course, latkes and gift giving. Find out about what's happening in Brooklyn, New York for Hanukkah!

Brooklyn boasts a large Jewish community — most of whom celebrate Hanukkah in some form or fashion. Several neighborhoods — Crown Heights, Borough Park, and Williamsburg — are home to different sects of Hassidim. In Park Slope, one can find several historic reform congregations. A section of Flatbush, Midwood, is home to a sizable Syrian Jewish and Sephardic community. Russian Jews tend to cluster in Brighton Beach and Sheepshead Bay. Plus, Brooklyn is home to literally thousands of non-affiliated Jews as well.

Also:

COMPLETE GUIDE TO HANUKKAH IN BROOKLYN

1. When is Chanukah This Year?

Photo by AMW.
Get ready for the weirdest Hanukkah schedule for next year, 2013! Latkes for Thanksgiving?

2. Fabulous Hanukah Events: Concerts, Kids Events, Huge Latke Festival

Find out where to take the kids for Hanukkah fun!

3. 8 Hanukkah "Do's & Don'ts" for Non-Jews

4. Menorah Lightings at Grand Army Plaza & Borough Hall

You can join with others in the festive lighting of a huge menorah at Grand Army Plaza near Prospect Park and in downtown Brooklyn at Borough Hall. As of 2012, Chabad is also organizing a menorah lighting in DUMBO.

Does Brooklyn really have the world's largest menorah?

5. Where to Shop: Top Markets & Craft Fairs in Brooklyn

Brooklyn's an epicenter of handmade, artisanal goods from hand sewn notebooks, clothes and small batch locavore foods. Get the best locally made items at these local craft fairs.

6. Where to Shop & Also Help the Needy

In 2012, one of the best ways to spend your holiday dollars is on a benefit event for Hurricane Sandy recovery. Check this list of events and stores where you can have fun, buy a present (or a ticket to a fundraiser) and also do good.

7. Food: Hanukah LATKES to Write Home About

Also, check out the Report from the great Brooklyn locavore Latke Festival and Cook Off.

8. Food: Great Kosher Bakeries in Brooklyn

Want to buy an excellent donuts for Hanukkah? Or some really good challah or cheese pastries, or yum, ruggelah? Brooklyn boasts some very good old fashioned Jewish bakeries. Find out where.

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