Festivals of festivals

This Hanukka, staying at home is not an option. Here are but a few of the special events around the country for the family.

By HADASS BEN-ARI
Dreidel 58 (photo credit: Courtesy)
Dreidel 58
(photo credit: Courtesy)
After the candles have been lit and “Maoz Tzur” has been sung, there are many more activities for the whole family than sitting around eating doughnuts.
Across the country, there is no shortage of art fairs, concerts, plays and festivals, all in the spirit of Hanukka that can make this Festival of Lights truly de-lightful.
Take a spin Beit Hatefutsoth in Tel Aviv will hold a colorful exhibition of dreidels from different countries, with innovative designs by young contemporary artists, and more. Some of the featured dreidels and hanukkiot will be available for sale; but if a more personal handmade item is preferred, there will also be a workshop for children, where they can make dreidels, hanukkiot, wallets for their Hanukka gelt, etc. Shows, music and percussion workshops and festive candle lighting ceremonies will also take place.December 5 to 9. Reservations: (03) 745-7808 or bhtours@post.tau.ac.il.
Sights and sounds in Sde Boker The 13th annual Desert Sounds (Zlilim Bamidbar), festival will celebrate the holiday over four consecutive days of music and dance.
Concerts and shows for the whole family include the charming story of “Apartment for Rent” by poet Leah Goldberg, as well as other children’s plays that incorporate ballet, animation and creations by artists from France and Russia. December 1- 4. Some shows are free of charge, while others range from NIS 35 to NIS 60. For details and tickets: www.tzlilimbamidbar.co.il
History unearthed Timna Park invites families to an archeological dig and an educational journey into the copper mines of ancient Egypt. Led by a crew of experienced archeologists, the public will take part in uncovering 3,000-year-old remains of copper ovens and related tools used during the times of the pharaohs. The park will host a wide range of other activities including creative Hanukkathemed creative workshops, pedalboat rides, bicycle rides and a magical night tour of the illuminated mountains in the surrounding sites of the park. Details: www.timnapark.co.il or (08) 631-6756.
Body and soul The Ein Gedi Hotel offers guided tours of agricultural fields and the botanical garden, learning about date trees, persimmons, flowerbeds of perfume, spice and medicinal plants and more. For a healthy lifestyle, the hotel will also offer guided sessions of Pilates, yoga, aerobics, meditation and power walks in various spots of the botanical garden. Children’s activities will be available for the hotel guests, as well as free acoustic shows by Yoni Bloch (December 2) and Rona Kenan (December 6). Details: www.ein-gedi.co.il.
For the children
The Herzliya Theater Ensemble will showcase children’s plays of various themes, as well as amusing and magical shows written by Leah Goldberg and songs by Naomi Shemer. The theater production The Spanish Mermaid is based on the famous story of the “The Little Mermaid,” incorporated with flamenco choreography. Genesis is a play produced by young Jews and Arabs that expresses an optimistic message of hope and peace for a better tomorrow.
These plays among others will take place December 6-9. Tickets range from NIS 50 to NIS 70. Details: (09) 955-2921 or www.hte.co.il
Spin-off at Ramat Hagolan
A dreidel-spinning tournament will take place in the Avanova Center every day during Hanukka. The winners will receive gift baskets of Avanova natural cosmetic products worth NIS 50 to NIS 130. Soap-making workshops for children and a short film about Avanova’s unique production of soap from the Golan Heights’ fruits will also be featured every day of the holiday.
Details: (04) 676-3593 or www.avanova.co.il.
Light this city
The Mamilla area in Jerusalem will celebrate the Festival of Lights in its most literal sense by decorating the area with spectacular lights of different colors and shapes, spilling all across the avenue. There will also be a gigantic light fountain in the center of Mamilla. Aside from a stroll through the illuminated street, the public is invited to other activities, such as making musical instruments out of recycled material, a hanukkia exhibit and daily candle lighting ceremonies, all free of charge.
Details: www.alrovmamilla.com.
Holiday with the kangaroos
The Australian Park of Gan Garoo will offer many family activities in addition to its daily adventures in the petting zoo, interaction with kangaroos and koalas and more. Family tournaments and creative workshops will take place throughout the holiday.
Details: (04) 648-8060 or www.nirtours.co.il.
Cave lights
The Beit Govrin National Park offers a tour with oil lamps across its maze cave, a workshop of making oil candles, an exploration of how olive oil is produced and a thrilling show of fire-juggling.
December 2-11.  Details: (08) 681-1020 or *3639.