THE EIGHT NIGHTS—Above, Congregation B'Nai Emet dance instructor Debbie Jarvis leads the preschool performers during the Hanukkah celebration held Wednesday night at the Simi Valley Regal Center. Right, B'Nai Emet chorus led by Cantor Michael Russ, left, sing the blessings during the lighting of the menorah. Far right, preschool students Jillian Adams, left, and Makena McGuire, both 4, take part in the festivities. Congregation B’Nai Emet, a reform temple that serves the Jewish population of Simi Valley and Moorpark, is hosting activities to celebrate the holiday of Hanukkah.

The festivities were launched with a menorahlighting ceremony led by Rabbi Michele Paskow and Cantor Michael Russ at the Regal Center on Wednesday night. In addition to the lighting, the program also featured a performance by the synagogue’s preschool students and Hanukkah songs led by the older students.

The temple will celebrate the first night of Hanukkah tonight by holding a special Sabbath ceremony beginning at 8 p.m. The services will be led by Jeffrey Roesch, who will be made a bar mitzvah over the weekend, and will include song and dance in addition to the lighting of the menorah. All are invited to at

tend, and traditional Hanukkah snacks, including jelly doughnuts and “sufganiot,” will be served.

On Sunday night, Valley View Middle School will host a Hanukkah dinner show presented by students at B’Nai Emet.

For more information about Hanukkah events in Simi Valley, call (805) 581-3723, or visit www.congregationbnaiemet.org.

Photos by JANN HENDRY Acorn Newspapers