By Linda Wisch-Davidsohn
Is it my imagination, or do the holidays seem to be coming closer and closer together? I know that this year is an exception, with the first day of Chanukah falling on Thanksgiving Day. This significance of this “happening” or miracle was covered on all the major news networks, and it will not be duplicated for 79,000 years. I hope that the day was special for each of you. I don’t want to be maudlin, but it is doubtful that any of us will experience it again in our lifetimes. We may become the dinosaurs of long ago.
Natalie Ring to speak at DHM/CET Thursday, Dec. 5
Dr. Natalie Ring, associate professor in history at UTD, will speak on “The Presence of the Ku Klux Klan” at 6:30 p.m. at the Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance located at 211 N. Record Street in Dallas. Although the presence of the Klan has declined greatly in Dallas, Texas is the second largest state in the union in terms of the presence of “hate groups,” with California being the first. This is certain to be an interesting and informative lecture. To ensure seating, please, RSVP to www.dallasholocaustmuseum.org.
Meteorologist Pete Delkus to visit Beth Torah Sunday
Pete Delkus, chief meteorologist for WFAA news and one of the most popular media personalities in Dallas, will be the guest speaker at Congregation Beth Torah Men’s Club breakfast Sunday, Dec. 8.
Everyone is welcome at the monthly lox-and-bagel breakfast, which begins at 9 a.m. The cost is $10 and $5 for students. Beth Torah is located at 720 W. Lookout Drive in Richardson.
DATA rabbi to speak at Herzl Hadassah meeting Dec. 9
It is always a pleasure to hear from Rose Biderman, who keeps us posted on what’s happening with The Herzl Group of Dallas Hadassah. DATA Rabbi Nasanya Zakon will speak at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 9 in the conference room at the Aaron Family JCC. He will discuss “Mastering the Art of Criticism.” In continuance of Herzl’s tradition of bringing gifts to the young children at the Vogel Alcove, members and guests are asked to bring gifts of shoes or socks this year. This meeting is open to all Hadassah members and guests.
Congregation Ohr HaTorah to host third annual Women’s Art and Talent Expo Dec. 15
The third annual Congregation Ohr Hatorah’s Women’s Art and Talent Expo will be held on Sunday, Dec. 15. The event is a by women, for women production featuring several genres of the performing arts, ranging from classical piano to kung fu. Some of the performers will represent Classical Arts & Dance of Dallas as well as Lee’s White Leopard Kung-Fu(sic). Other performers are enthusiastic amateurs who will enjoy the opportunity to share their talents. Local vendors will also be on hand, including Kiddy So Pretty, Upscale Party Disposables, NikNaks, Bravadas Wigs and Holistic Environmental Design. The doors open at 1 p.m., with the show beginning at 1:45. Admission is $5 per person. Congregation Ohr Hatorah is located at 6324 Churchill Way. For any inquires or information, contact Malkie Ozeri at tdsdart@gmail.com.
The Blum House on display at Dallas Heritage Village
One of the historic homes — the Blum House — will figure prominently in Dallas Heritage Village’s annual “Candlelight Celebration.” At the Blum home, Chanukah will be interpreted. Grace Enda, one of the junior historians at Dallas Heritage Village, who along with her mom, Gail, and dad, Steve, will be in the home, making latkes and playing dreidel. Grace attends the Talented and Gifted Magnet School and the Endas belong to Temple Shalom. Steve Enda is on the Dallas Heritage Village board.
Along with the Blum house will be other replicas of Texas’ earliest residents and how holiday traditions were celebrated in the late 1800s. It will take place from 3-9 p.m., Dec. 14 and 15 at Dallas Heritage Village, 1515 South Harwood, sponsored by Baylor Health Care System.
“Get Wrapped Up in Candlelight” is this year’s theme, celebrating the beauty of holidays past with seasonal décor and traditional celebrations featured throughout the village. Take a stroll and experience gleeful carolers, holiday storytelling, hand-weaving, blacksmithing, interpreters in traditional costume and many other festive activities such as the American Flyer model train exhibit in the depot, operated by the Lone Star Flyer Model Train Club.
“There are few places that get people in the holiday spirit like Candlelight, which sets a beautiful landscape for the season, honoring and creating memories,” said Melissa Prycer, interim executive director at Dallas Heritage Village. “Candlelight is a magical event that has been a holiday tradition in Dallas for 42 years, and we welcome visitors from across the globe.”
Local musicians, dancers and storytellers entertain at the Renner School (circa 1888), on the Main Street (circa 1900) stage, in the Pilot Grove Church (circa 1890), on porches of Victorian homes and along the candlelit pathways of the village. Holiday tales will be recounted and seasonal songs sung by strolling carolers throughout the village. Local entertainment groups include dance companies, musicians, bands, choirs and many others. Performers to date include the Allegro Guitar Society, Lakewood Varsity Chorus and Shufflin’ Shoe. For a complete list of performers and performance times, visit www.DallasHeritageVillage.org.
All proceeds from the event, Dallas Heritage Village’s biggest annual public fundraiser, benefit the museum’s programs. General admission to “Candlelight” at the door is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors 65+ and $8 for children ages 4-12. Children 3 and under and museum members are free. Tickets purchased online at www.DallasHeritageVillage.org by Dec. 6 are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors 65+ and $6 for children. Visit http://www.dallasheritagevillage.org/candlelight for more details or call 214-421-5141. Farmers Market, one block north of Dallas Heritage Village on Harwood Street, offers limited free public parking. Self-parking at the village is available for $5 and valet parking for $10 per vehicle. Guests with valid handicapped tags will be able to valet park for $5.