COUNTYWIDE : Hanukkah Services, Celebrations Begin

Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights and freedom, begins today with celebrations across Ventura County.

The Jewish Council-Temple Beth Torah will offer special services, a fair and a holiday dinner. The fair will run from 10 a.m. to noon today.

The service will be at 7 p.m. Friday, and the family dinner is set for Dec. 24, the final night of Hanukkah. The temple is at 7620 Foothill Blvd. in Ventura. For information call 647-4181.

Chabad of the Conejo in Oak Park is creating a Hanukkah Wonderland at Fantasy Island in Agoura. The event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. today. The Chabad will present Hanukkah programs Monday at the Mountaingate Plaza in Simi Valley and Tuesday at The Oaks mall in Thousand Oaks. For information call (818) 991-0991.

K’hilat Ha’Aloneem is hosting a Hanukkah party at 3 p.m. today at 619 W. El Roblar, Ojai. Call 646-4464 for more information.

Temple Etz Chaim at 1080 Janss Road in Thousand Oaks is holding a special service at 5 p.m. today. Hanukkah programs will continue throughout the week. For information call 497-6891.

A communitywide Hanukkah celebration will take place inside the Buenaventura Mall in Ventura from 6 to 7 p.m. today. A giant menorah will be lighted at 7 p.m. Call 658-7441 for further information.