By Sharon Wisch-Ray
sharon@tjpnews.com

Tailgate and menorah lighting

In celebration of the last night of Hanukkah, the Jewish Community Center of Dallas (The J) and Chabad of North Texas will co-sponsor a free, family-friendly menorah lighting event on Sunday, Dec. 13.
The day begins with true Texas flair with a tailgate party to watch the Dallas Cowboys followed by the lighting of the 32-foot menorah during halftime. The event will take place on The J’s campus at 7900 Northaven Road in Dallas. It begins at 3 p.m. and the football game starts at 3:25 p.m. During halftime (approximately 4:45 p.m.), prominent members of the community will light the menorah and there will be live music. Attendees will also enjoy holiday favorites such as latkes (fried potato pancakes) and jelly doughnuts. These fried foods are traditionally served during Hanukkah to represent the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days. K-Wheels kosher food truck will be on-site for those who would like to purchase a meal.
“We know that all of North Texas loves to support our Dallas Cowboys,” said Artie Allen, The J’s president. “So we added a Texas twist to this year’s community event by hosting a Hanukkah Tailgate Party. It’s a great way to bring people together for two favorites: the holidays and football.”
The J’s menorah stands an amazing 32 feet tall. It is proudly displayed outside the main entrance of the facility and will be on view through Dec. 14. The menorah is lit nightly with electricity during the eight nights of Hanukkah; however, it will be lit with traditional oil and flame for the Dec. 13 event.

New Hebrew School in Frisco

Chabad of Frisco recently opened the first Hebrew School of its kind in Frisco. Alongside the phenomenal growth of the city of Frisco, the junior Jewish population has grown as well, compelling parents to search for a local source of Jewish education. As Rabbi Mendy and Mushkie Kesselman, directors of Chabad of Frisco, received those requests, they set out to do just that.
The Frisco Hebrew School opened in October, with seven children. The goal of the Frisco Hebrew School is simple, said Mushkie Kesselman, “to instill in our children a love, pride, and passion for Judaism.
“This is accomplished through an innovative program and curriculums, giving the children hands-on real, accessible, and enjoyable Jewish experiences.”
Every few weeks, students delve into a different Jewish theme, concept, or mitzvah — and explore it from all its various angles. Through discussions, music, crafts, and hands-on experience, they discover different elements of Judaism’s rich and vibrant history and traditions.
The Frisco Hebrew School also offers the revolutionary Aleph Champ program that teaches children how to read Hebrew as they move up levels in a karate-like system.
The Frisco Hebrew School is unique in many ways, but one of the fundamental differences is the timing. Hebrew School is held on a Wednesday afternoon, versus the traditional Sunday morning. The Frisco Hebrew School is founded on the belief that children’s first Jewish experience should be one that is positive and
dynamic — leading and motivating them to a have a lifelong love of learning and discovery, explained the Kesselmans. The Frisco Hebrew School is open to all Jews in the Frisco, Allen, and McKinney areas and it’s never too late to enroll your child! Contact Mushkie Kesselman at Mushkie@chabadfrisco.org for more information.

Adat Chaverim Sisterhood Paid-Up Membership Dinner dishes out plenty of Fun

Adat Chaverim Sisterhood enjoyed a night of schmoozing, kibitzing and dining at the Sisterhood Paid-Up Membership Dinner on Nov. 12.
Lisa Seay, a local motivational speaker, was the highlight of the evening discussing “Finding Our Purpose in Life” amid daily challenges and responsibilities. Not only did she get everyone thinking, but excited about the many opportunities to start new careers, revive current ones, volunteer and find the courage to pursue one’s dreams and endeavors. An overview of the sisterhood’s calendar and activities were presented. Corresponding Secretary Sharyn Diamond added special thanks to Peggy Kerzner, vice president of membership; Donna Hermann, vice president of programming/advocacy; volunteers, speaker and catering by Joe’s Pasta N Pizza for a “funtastic” evening.

Press notes

• The 2015 DATA Dinner will take place Tuesday, Dec. 15, at the Renaissance Hotel in Richardson. This year’s honorees include an outstanding group of community lay leaders. Judy and Shai Robkin of Atlanta will be receiving the Community Pillars Award for their support of the Atlanta community, DATA of Plano and many causes in Israel.
• Isaac Heller, grandson of Dot and the late Sel Heller, will receive the Young Leadership Award. Isaac is an active member of YJP Dallas as well as many organizations to inspire young Jews. Lowell Michelson will be honored with the Community Service Award. Lowell is being recognized for all the chessed he does, via his catering business, Simcha Kosher Catering, and his connections to the larger community. Keynote speaker for the evening is radio and television host, Glenn Beck, who is being recognized with a Defender of Israel Award for his strong support of Israel.