This post will be updated as new events are announced.

In the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, it’s clear that this year’s Chanukah celebration will be like no other. Many of us will avoid family gatherings, and of course, larger community gatherings are a no-no this year.

But have no fear. Israelis have a way of making things work out nicely.

Just as we saw for the 2020 versions of Passover, Yom Ha’atzma’ut, Yom HaZikaron, etc., this year’s Chanukah celebrations will be mostly virtual. And even though they won’t be in-person events, we have a feeling they’ll be no less fun.

Here’s a listing of virtual Chanukah 2020 events we’ve found so far.

David Broza – Thursday, December 10, 6 pm EST

Not necessarily Chanukah related, but this free virtual David Broza concert may be a nice coincidence nonetheless. From the organizers:

“Israeli songwriter, guitarist and humanitarian David Broza will share his passion for Mediterranean music and discuss his latest project, an instrumental album inspired by his deep ties to Spain entitled “David Broza en Casa Limón”, produced by Grammy Award-winning artist and WMI Honorary Board Member Javier Limón. David will be joined by his longtime friend and fellow humanitarian Peter Yarrow (Peter, Paul and Mary). Audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions via the Q&A box.”

More Info (Facebook): https://fb.me/e/13qA9asOR

Light Up Israel: A Chanukah Celebration – Sunday, December 13, 12:30 pm EST

Whether you live in Israel or anywhere around the world, the wonderful folks at Nefesh B’Nefesh are bringing an Israeli Chanukah to your home. And who better to celebrate miracles than the talented members of The Shalva Band?

“Nefesh B’Nefesh in partnership with Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael – Jewish National Fund proudly presents Light Up Israel: A Chanukah Celebration.
Join us on Sunday night, December 13th, 4th night of Chanukah for an online celebration. Hosted by Israel News Personality Lital Shemesh, this incredible evening will include Lior Suchard – Master Mentalist, special greetings from the President of Israel, Reuven Ruvi Rivlin, and the musical talent of the world-renowned The Shalva Band. During the event, we will join together for a candle lighting ceremony with Beit Sefer L’muzika (Israeli Music Competition) finalist Chaim Zippel.”

More Info (Facebook): https://fb.me/e/1VLq1ocft

Shiri Maimon – Sunday, December 13, 4 pm EST

A free virtual concert by Shiri Maimon? Yes, please! Our favorite Israeli pop star will headline the annual Laker Concert presented by Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan. If you know someone who’s never heard Shiri’s music, this is a perfect introduction. Shiri’s expected to sing a number of English songs, highlights from her stint at Roxy Hart in Chicago on Broadway, as well as selections from her Hebrew repertoire.

This Chanukah tune in to Temple Israel’s Facebook or YouTube page for an exclusive live concert with Israeli pop star Shiri Maimon.
Shiri is an Israeli pop and R&B recording artist, TV show host and actress. One of the most prominent and successful singers of the last decade in Israel, Shiri has a rare vocal ability, and a one-of-a-kind stage presence. She has three hit albums out, and in addition to her own packed concert tours, has starred on Broadway in the musical Chicago, and has appeared everywhere from Eurovision to the MTV Music Awards, to Judging The X Factor.
Shiri Maimon comes to you with an intimate and exciting online concert in which she performs the best of her greatest hits set to unique piano arrangements. Come enjoy as Shiri lights up the fourth night of Chanukah with her true star power!

More Info: https://www.temple-israel.org/event/virtual-laker-concert-shiri-maimon

Static & Ben-El Tavori – Monday, December 14, 1 pm EST

For years, Masa Israel has brought young Jews closer to Israel with a catalog of career development, study and volunteer opportunities all over Israel. Now Masa is bringing a taste of Israel to homes around the globe. They’re promising a virtual Chanukah experience like no other:

Gather with thousands of Masa Fellows, alumni and partners from Israel and around the world to experience our biggest event of the year: a Hanukkah celebration like you’ve never seen before! Join a unique online platform where you will:
* Participate in an innovative local workshop with Masa Fellows you’ve never met in your local area
* Light Hanukkah candles with Fellows and alumni from around the globe
* Attend a once-in-a-lifetime Static and Ben El concert just for you!
* Receive your own free Masa Hanukkah gift

More Info (Facebook): https://fb.me/e/106Ml5w4h

My Festigal 2020 – Sunday, December 20, 1 pm EST

For 40 years, the kiddie highlight of the Festival of Lights is the annual “Festigal”. It’s a star-studded stage production featuring singing, dancing, special effects and tons of fun for kids. But like everything else in 2020, the Festigal has gone virtual this year. That’s not so great for Israeli children, but really great for the rest of us around the world! Want to participate in this annual Israeli experience? The Israeli American Council (IAC) has made this high-energy production available to audiences worldwide. From the IAC:

“This year, IAC is happy to bring for the first time ever, the wonderful Festigal Experience straight from Israel to every Israeli – Jewish – American home here in the USA getting us closer now more than ever.”

Tickets and Info: https://iac360.org/festigal/

You can save Chanukah 2020!

With eights nights to celebrate, Chanukah 2020 should be lots of fun online! What other events have you found? What virtual events are YOU attending? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll update this post accordingly. Happy Chanukah from MyIsraeliMusic.com!