The eight-day Jewish celebration of Hanukkah usually occurs close to Christmas, but this year the first full day of Hanukkah falls on the same day as Thanksgiving — Nov. 28 — a once-in-a-lifetime overlap. The last time it happened was 1888, and after Thursday, it will be another 77,000-plus years before the holiday convergence happens again, according to one calculation.

Hanukkah is also known as the "Festival of Light" in commemoration of a miracle that occurred in the second century B.C. when a small rebel band of Jews, the Maccabees, reclaimed their desecrated temple in Jerusalem from the Syrian-Greeks. They needed to burn sacred oil for eight days to purify the temple, but there was only enough undefiled oil to last one.

Miraculously, the small amount kept burning for eight days.

Local temples are celebrating with events that get under way at sundown Wednesday (based on the Jewish lunar calendar) and conclude Dec. 4.

Chabad of Hawaii
410 Atkinson Drive, 735-8161
>> Wednesday, 7 p.m. JR Productions presents Israeli star singer Eli Buzaglo in a benefit for Chabad, located within the Ala Moana Hotel, which includes a fruit buffet, sufganiot (jelly donuts) and other Israeli foods for $50.
>> Friday, 5 p.m. Shabbat dinner, menorah candle lighting and evening service.
RSVP is required. $35 adults, $18 children.
 >> Dec. 1, 5 p.m. Help build a "Giant Can Menorah" 5 to 7 feet high with canned food that will be donated to local food banks and shelters. Drop off or sponsor the purchase of canned goods (15 oz. size preferred) before the event. After assembling the menorah, candles will be placed on top of the cans and lit.
The annual Grand Hanukkah Party will offer an all-you-can-eat buffet with hot latkes (potato pancakes), live music and crafts for kids. $20 adults, $12 children; discounts available for students, seniors, military and families.
 >> Dec. 2, 6 p.m. A Schofield Barracks public menorah lighting will honor military members; everyone invited. For directions and information, contact Brian Field, 348-4560.
 >> Dec. 4, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Drive a car
and be in the menorah parade or sponsor a car for $54. The parade starts at Kapiolani Boulevard near Atkinson Drive, continues on to Beretania and Bishop streets, Ala Moana Boulevard and Kalakaua and Kapahulu avenues, and ends at the corner of Kuhio Avenue for the 27th annual menorah-lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. Bring a candle or light. The event includes live music and hot latkes. Email chabadhawaii@aol.com or visit chabadofhawaii.com for reservations and information.

Temple Emanu-El
2550 Pali Highway, 595-7521
>> Friday, 5 p.m. Cantorial soloist Ken Aronowitz will lead a Tot Shabbat service for children ages 2 to 5. Bring Thanksgiving favorites and latkes to share for a potluck dinner at 6 p.m. (no pork, shellfish, milk or meat dishes). There will be dreidel games and gelt for the kids. A service will begin at 7:30 p.m.; bring a menorah to light.
>> Dec. 1, 10 a.m. A brunch of bagels and toppings will be available for purchase prior to an 11 a.m. concert by blues guitar master Saul Kaye. $10 general admission; children under age 13 free. Visit www.shaloha.com.

Congregation Sof Ma’arav
2500 Pali Highway, 595-3678
>> Nov. 30, 10 a.m. to noon. Services will be held at the First Unitarian Church, 2500 Pali Highway, followed by a festive meal.
>> Nov. 30, 6:30 to 10 p.m. Temple organizers Sandra and Donald Armstrong are sponsoring the annual party at a private home in Kailua, featuring live Hanukkah and rock music by the Ruach Band. The meal is a dairy/parve (kosher restrictions) potluck. Call for directions and information.
The couple also wants to raise awareness of Jewish Community Services of Hawaii, which helps Jewish elderly and others in need throughout the state, including visitors. Donations may be to Jewish Community Services, P.O. Box 235805, Honolulu, HI 96823.

Hillel Hawaii and the UH Fund for the Promotion of Jewish Life and Studies
>> Dec. 1, 5 to 7 p.m. A community party will be held in the old Hemenway Hall courtyard near Sinclair Library at the University of Hawaii-Manoa. Email Peter Hoffenberg, a professor and the faculty adviser, at peterh@hawaii.edu.