The Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation (SLJC) is an established reform congregation that meets at the Sun Lakes Chapel on the second Friday of the month at 7:30 p.m. Services are a great opportunity to meet new people, connect with Judaism and learn. New attendees are invited to be introduced at the service and members of the congregation connect with these attendees. Oneg Shabbats are held immediately after the service at Sun Lakes Country Club. Everyone is invited to attend. The Oneg’s are a great place to meet members, ask questions and learn more about our congregation.

The congregation exhibited at the Jewish Expo in September. This was a great opportunity to introduce our congregation to prospective members.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the congregation’s grand celebration of the Hanukkah Festival of Lights on Sunday, December 21 at 4:00 p.m. at the Oakwood Clubhouse. There will be a buffet dinner, entertainment and fun for all ages! Adults are $18; ages 6-12 $10; under 5 free. For information call Shelly at 480-802-3608.

The United States has a history of recognizing and celebrating Hanukkah in a number of ways, from menorah lighting ceremonies to a 1996 postage stamp jointly issued with Israel, to special receptions in the White House.

One of the earliest links with the White House occurred in 1951 when Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion presented United States President Harry Truman with a Hanukkah Menorah. But it was not until 1979 that a sitting president, Jimmy Carter, took part in a public Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony on the National Mall, followed by the first Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony in the White House itself led by President Bill Clinton.

In 2001, President George W. Bush held an official Hanukkah reception in the White House in conjunction with the candle-lighting ceremony and since then this ceremony has become an annual tradition attended by Jewish leaders from around the country. In 2008, George Bush linked the occasion to the 1951 gift by using that menorah for the ceremony, with a grandson of Ben-Gurion and a grandson of Truman lighting the candles.

The Men’s Club of SLJC is a social club for men who are members of the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation. We have monthly meetings with guest speakers on various topics, monthly dinners and visits to places of interest in the Phoenix area.

SLJC Sisterhood is a social group that supports both the congregation and local charities through their annual fund raising Card Party and ongoing Toys From the Heart program, with monthly meetings with guest speakers on the third Thursday of the month.

The SLJC Choir is known far and wide for the spirit and joy that fills the air each and every time they sing their melodious renditions of prayers and blessings. There are many members in the choir and they come from all expressions of faith. The SLJC Choir is looking for members. If you are looking for a journey that will lift you to great spiritual heights call Lana Oyer at 602-524-5936. The Israel Committee keeps the membership up to date on all aspects of Israel.

For additional information on the activities and upcoming events please see the SLJC website at sunlakesjewishcongregation.org.