The Leviathan in the Room: A Storytelling Event featuring Chanukah Tales You’ve Never Heard

On the darkest night of the year, the Winter Solstice, we will gather for a candlelit evening of storytelling, laughter, song, and ritual. You are invited to share lesser-known Chanukah tales — be it personal stories (a la The Moth), parables from midrash, or re-interpreted classics — shared through any kind of creative expression: song, narrative, poem, dramatization, dance. See below for some creative prompts and inspiration.

And because no one can listen to stories on an empty stomach, we will share food in the style of la merenda, a potluck dinner from the Sephardic tradition served on the last night of Chanukah.

Themes to explore, stories to investigate:
– Bravery, miracles, religious freedom, rededication
– A story from you or your family’s lived experience of Chanukah
– Check out this resource of Chanukah and solstice stories for inspiration from Nefesh Tikkun Organizer Sasha Perry

Got a story or song you’d like to share? Or just interested in coming to listen? Fill out this registration form by Shabbat on Friday, December 12 and let us know what you are planning, if applicable.

Please bring a vegetarian dish or dessert to share.

This experience is part of Infinite Light, NuRoots’ citywide Hanukkah festival, December 14–22. Discover more at nuroots.org/infinitelight.

Please note photography will take place at this event and let us know if you have any questions.

Date: Sunday, December 21st

Time: 7pm

Location: The Rooftop Terrace at St. Paul’s Commons, 840 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles CA 90026

Suggested Contribution: $12-$18 (no one will be turned away for lack of funds)