MENDOCINO CO., 12/11/25 — This Sunday, the Redwood Valley shul, called Kol HaEmek, will hold a family-friendly celebration to honor the first night of Hanukkah.
Kol HaEmek, which translates to “voice of the valley” in Hebrew, is a community center that holds classes, services, and events that honor Jewish traditions.
The event, which will take place from 4-7 p.m., will be held at the shul’s center at 8591 West Road in Redwood Valley. The event announcement reads, “Join us at the shul for a joyful, family-centered celebration as we welcome the first night of Hanukkah together. This gathering is designed to delight community members of all ages with activities, food, and shared traditions that will brighten the beginning of the festival of lights.”
According to the shul, the celebration will feature a potluck dinner where attendees are invited to bring traditional Hanukkah foods such as latkes, sufganiyot or other dishes and sides. There will also be Hanukkah-themed bingo and a short performance by young shul students enacting the story of the Maccabees.
Once the sun sets, attendees will light the first candle of Hanukkah together and share prayers and songs.
The shul is also asking attendees to consider bringing food donations to stock the free pantry at the Ukiah Public Library. It asks people to bring canned meals, soups, beans, tuna, pasta and other nonperishables.
In a statement, Bob Mandel, a volunteer with the shul, said that all people are welcome to the celebration whether they are Jewish or not, especially if they have a recipe on their mind.
“We are a small Jewish community here in inland Mendocino County and we welcome all Jews and non-Jews alike to come and participate — especially if you’ve got a great latke recipe (and latkes) to share,” he said.
We spent the High Holidays with these folks a few years ago when we were over the hill for medical care, about to have our baby. It’s a beautiful Shul with really kind people. I love that this event is open to everyone! Jewish holidays are fun and it’s a great opportunity to share culture.
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