Menorah by George Tobolowsky. Photography by Danny Fulgencio.
This year Hanukkah falls on Dec. 18 – 27, and our neighborhood is packed with events to celebrate. For those who aren ’t familiar with the holiday, Hanukkah is celebrated by Jewish people to commemorate the victor y of the Maccabees over the Syrian army in 165 B.C.E. and the liberation of the Temple in Jerusalem. The holiday is celebrated annually by more than 15 million people worldwide by lighting the hanukkiah, a special menorah for Hanukkah, eating foods such as latkes and sufganiyot (jelly donuts) and playing games.
Preston Hollow is home to one of the largest Jewish communities in Texas. Temple Emanu-El is the state’s oldest congregation. Our neighborhood is also home to several prominent schools for Jewish children, including Akiba Yavneh Academy and Mesorah High School for Girls.
To say “Hanukkah Sameach” this winter, check out these six events hosted by our neighbors:
Galleria Dallas is lighting a large-scale menorah every night of Hanukkah at 6 p.m. with the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum. It’s on Level 1 near Tiffany & Co.
Chabad of Dallas and Friendship Circle, two Jewish-run organizations based in Preston Hollow, are partnering with The Intown Chabad for Chanukah Fest of Klyde Warren. The second-annual event features nightly lighting of a giant pink menorah, sufganiyot and more festivities on Dec. 18.
Texas Jewish Arts Association is hosting The Art of Faith & Culture Exhibition from Nov. 9-Dec. 31. The exhibition features Hanukkah and Shabbat artwork, sculptures and heirlooms at the Dallas Arboretum. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online.
JCC is hosting an adults-only class where participants can learn about the history of Hanukkah and make a hanukkiah to take home at The Aaron Family Jewish Community Center of Dallas on Dec. 15. Tickets are $10 each.
For the little ones, JCC Dallas is hosting Babies and Bagels, Hanukkah Light Play 11 a.m.-noon Dec. 21 in the Yad B’Yad Room. The special play session will help babies explore the magic of lights through rope lights, light tables and projectors, and materials for casting shadows.
Preschoolers can join The Dallas Public Library at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 21 for a Hanukkah celebration at Bookmarks in NorthPark Center. Learn the story of Hanukkah, make holiday crafts, have some holiday treats and light the hanukkiah.
