HOLIDAY FUN

You really want to celebrate Hanukkah? Forget lighting candles on your lonesome. Kol Tzedek, West Philly's nascent synagogue, and the Jewish Dialogue Group are inviting you out for a community celebration. While the JDG has the serious goal of promoting thoughtful communication about Israeli-Palestinian issues, it is determined to do its fundraising with a light heart. The Hanukkah festivities are just this side of a carnival with double-threat talent Sara Felder juggling satirical jokes and dramatic renderings in what is described as "Talmudic vaudeville." Klezmer lovers will enjoy the Shtreiml and its Philly-international flavor. Trombonist Rachel Lemisch is a scion of Philly-based klezmers and her husband, band founder Jason Rosenblatt (pictured), is one of the rare klezmer harmonica players. Klezmer is often called Jewish jazz, and Rosenblatt's studies with jazz harmonicist extraordinaire Howard Levy expand on that theme. A student rabbi from Kol Tzedek will carry on the ancient tradition of storytelling. Crafts and books will be for sale to carry on that equally ancient tradition of holiday gift-giving. And, the best-loved holiday tradition of all, there will be "thousands of calories of delicious desserts"—we quote!

Hanukkah Klezmer Extravaganza, Sat., Dec. 17, 7 p.m., $18, The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St., 215-266-1218, www.jewishdialogue.org.