Kick off Hannukah’s Eight days of Lights with JCC Denver
The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah is a vibrant cultural festival that brings people together from all walks of life to commemorate historical events. While traditions and customs vary around the world, JCC Denver rang in this year’s Festival of Lights with the hugely successful, Latkes and Lights program, with over 325 sold tickets and a whopping 300-person waitlist.
Participants of all ages partook in themed games and crafts, while others perused our Maker’s Market featuring a variety of local artists selling gift items like ceramic menorahs and stuffed sufganiyot dolls from The Miracle Donut. Jewish and Klezmer melodies by Carly Coons from Jewish Explorers, Gora Gora Orkestar, and Mish Mish spun through the air as our community laughed, danced, and tasted guest restaurant and community-members’ latke creations while voting on their favorites.
The competition was fierce, yet Safta came in strong to secure first place by our guest judges while Latke Love stole the hearts of the community and won the citizen’s choice trophy. The community-member division was no less impressive, with five individuals and families roasting up fresh latkes. Eli’s Latkes took the cake for the best latkes in town, unanimously decided on by both judges and the community! We also brought back the artistic, staff menorah competition this year, which is still ongoing. Stop by the J to cast your vote!
The event also featured a pita and olive oil tasting by Challahrado Hearth, who sold out her numerous delectable treats on sale, which can also be ordered online here.
Happy Hanukkah and we can’t wait to do it all over again with you next year!
The JCC has two other exciting, upcoming Hanukkah events to check out:
The LGBTQIA+ Committee of the JCC Denver is hosting a rafter-shaking party! Make sure to learn your left from right for this line-dancing, Western-themed, 21+ throwdown, on Saturday, December 16, 8:00 – 10:00 pm.
Celebrate Hanukkah with Jewish Family Service, Kavod on the Road, and the Jewish Community Center for an older adult Hanukkah party on Friday, December 15 from 11:30 am – 12:45 pm. “Let’s gelt together” and enjoy lighting the menorah, eating lunch, schmoozing, and participating in a holiday giving project. Lunch will be provided and served kosher-style. Singles, couples, friends, siblings – and all adults 60+ are welcome to this free/donation-based event, although spots are limited.
