Hanukkah starts at sundown

DOWNTOWN — Hanukkah, the eight-day Festival of Lights celebrated by Israelis and Jews around the world, begins at sundown Friday.

Families across the region will gather to light one candle of the menorah and recite blessings to God to commemorate an improbable victory over invaders who debased the temple in Jerusalem.

Hanukkah this year begins and ends on the Jewish Sabbath, requiring minor liturgical changes. Still, holiday traditions of candles, gifts and jelly doughnuts will stay the same.

The following celebrations are planned across Burbank, Glendale and the Foothills: