A lively celebration of music, food, and the holiday season

The Jewish observance of Hanukkah, the “Festival of Lights,” will be celebrated at “Lights & L’Chaim” - a community-wide event to usher in the spirit of holiday lights and warmth on Sunday, December 2. It will be an amazing evening of Jewish Klezmer music with a unique flavoring of jazz and soul, a dazzling array of delicious Hanukkah-themed foods, and an opportunity to share in the joy of the season.

This year’s program offers a special treat: combining the energizing and ecstatic musical experience of local Knoxville klezmer band Dor L’Dor with the outstanding jazz and soul sounds of vocalist (and ukulele player extraordinaire) Kelle Jolly and her multi-woodwind instrumentalist husband Will Boyd, two of the leading figures in Knoxville’s jazz scene.

How do these genres mix? Dor L’Dor - “generation to generation” in Hebrew - characterizes the music itself and the makeup of the band, originally comprised of Ken and Susan Brown and their three children, all now professional musicians. “Klezmer music originated in Eastern Europe,” explains Ken Brown, “borrowing melodies and rhythms from European countries and traditions; it has always been a true melting pot of cultures across generations.” Some of the most influential jazz voices incorporated Klezmer melodies and Klezmer bands integrated jazz, too. “Adding Kelle and Will brings a whole new dimension to this year’s celebration,” says Brown. We’re excited to invite everyone to experience this concert and to help us build our own Knoxville Klezmer tradition.”

L’chaim is a traditional Jewish toast that simply means, ‘To Life!’ and offers a way to celebrate the season with our neighbors and community friends to share our culture and raise a toast to life with everyone.

Event details:
Sunday, December 2, 2018. Doors open at 3:00 pm; Music begins at 4:00 pm Light buffet of holiday foods follows the concert (approximately at 5:30 pm)

Heska Amuna Synagogue, 3811 Kingston Pike (in Sequoyah Hills)

For more information/tickets: heskaamuna.ticketspice.com/lights-lchaim

Ticket prices start at $15 for children, under 18; $45 for adults. VIP packages and sponsorship opportunities also available

This event benefits the Heska Amuna Synagogue religious school, community, and cultural event programs. Heska Amuna Synagogue is grateful for the support of Visit Knoxville, Regal, and Prestige Cleaners/Prestige Tuxedo for this community cultural event.

Heska Amuna Synagogue has served the Knoxville Jewish community for over 100 years. It balances a respect for Jewish tradition with an openness to new ideas and practices. All are welcome to be a part of the Heska Amuna family.