For families who don't celebrate Christmas - particularly Jewish families - there's the age-old question of what to do on December 25. Congregation Tikvat Jacob in Manhattan Beach has the answer: Chinese food and a movie.

"It follows the old joke - and truism - that Jews do a movie and Chinese food on Christmas," says Tamah Kushner, executive director of the congregation.

The dinner-and-a-movie special on December 25 includes a gourmet kosher catered Chinese buffet, and a showing of the movie "Yentl." Dinner begins at 5:00 p.m. at the temple.

All members of the community are welcome, but reservations are required and tickets are going fast. Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children up to 12 years old, and $50 maximum per family if paying by check or cash. Tickets may be purchased online for $28 per adult, $12 per child, and $55 maximum per family. The deadline for purchasing tickets is December 19.

Congregation Tikvat Jacob is an egalitarian, engaging Jewish community joined together by a commitment to Judaism within a diverse, yet evolving conservative tradition. It is located at 1829 N. Sepulveda Blvd. in Manhattan Beach. For information, call 310-546-3667.