In celebration of the last night of Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, 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-tall menorah during halftime. The event will take place on The J’s campus at 7900 Northaven Rd. 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 facilities and will be on view from Dec 6-14. 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.