Thursday evening, Dec. 7, marks the start of the Jewish Festival of Lights — Hanukkah. Whether you’re interested in celebrating Hanukkah (which ends this year at nightfall on Saturday, Dec. 15) by attending a local event or finding latkes in a city with a dwindling number of Jewish delis, we’re here to point you in the right direction.
Sip drink specials like The Menoratini at L’Chaim.
Photo by Leikam Brewing
🕎 Things to do
L’Chaim | Thursday, Dec. 7-Friday, Dec. 15 | Times vary | Leikam Brewing, 5812 E. Burnside St., Portland | Free | All are welcome at this Hanukkah-themed pop-up featuring special beers like the “Ain’t No Challahback Girl,” snacks, unique cocktails, nonalcoholic drinks, and a Jell-O shot made with Manischewitz.
Light Up Hillsboro 2023 | Thursday, Dec. 7 | 4:45 p.m. | Jerry Willey Plaza, 943 NE Orenco Station Lp., Hillsboro | Free | Celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with latkes, doughnuts, music, a fire show, and a menorah lighting.
Chanukah 1800 | Thursday, Dec. 7 | 5-6 p.m. | Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW Sixth Ave., Portland | $0-$9 | Chabad Center for Jewish Life hopes to bring 1,800 people together to light 1,800 candles at this public menorah ceremony; registration is required.
Eastside Jewish Commons Hanukkah Night Market | Saturday, Dec. 9 | 5-9 p.m. | Eastside Jewish Commons, 2420 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland | Free | Shop for gifts and find local food vendors like Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels at this all-ages event featuring live music.
Chef Noah Jacob will help curate Zupan’s Jewish deli offerings full time.
Photo by Zupan’s Markets
🕯️ Where to eat
Ben & Esther’s Vegan Delicatessen, 1800 NE Alberta St.
Though the original location on Northeast Sandy Boulevard closed earlier this year, you can still find 100% plant-based foods like carrot-based “lox,” latkes, challah, babka cheesecake, and more at the newer location on Alberta.
Sweet Lorraine’s Latkes & More, 61 SE Yamhill St.
Pre-order scratch-made latkes by the dozen or half-dozen — along with sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), applesauce, and sour cream — to pick up from the food cart pod nestled inside Labyrinth Forge Brewing Company.
Leikam Brewing, 5812 E. Burnside St.
This woman-owned business billed as Portland’s first kosher brewery serves (and distributes) Oregon Kosher-certified beers year round. An on-site food cart, Wicked Garden Alchemy, offers vegan comfort food.
Kachka Lavka, 960 SE 11th Ave.
The deli and market located above Eastern European restaurant Kachka is offering take-home latkes. Pre-orders can be placed online at least 24 hours in advance for pickup all Hanukkah long.
Zupan’s Markets, multiple locations
Noah Jacob, the former chef at Jacob & Sons Delicatessen, has crafted a new Hanukkah take-out menu featuring matzoh ball soup, potato latkes, sweet-and-sour braised brisket, rugelach, and more. Items can be ordered à la carte, or you choose a four-person dinner for $99.