Jewish Center is preparing for Hanukkah celebration
Area residents are invited to the Augusta Jewish Community Center's annual Hanukkah latke and turkey dinner at 6 p.m. Dec. 5.
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"We have been doing this for many, many years," said Leah Ronen, executive director of the AJCC in Evans. "It is open to the wider community and anyone who wants to participate can."
Ronen said participants often include people in mixed-faith marriages.
"It's been good for these individuals to share their faith with their spouse," said Ronen.
The annual event includes the lighting of menorahs, and each family is asked to bring a menorah and candles. The AJCC will have spare menorahs on hand for those who do not have one.
In addition to the lighting of the menorahs, a menorah contest, with prizes awarded for the most unusual, largest and smallest menorahs, will be held.
"We had the menorah contest last year and everyone was just so excited about it that we decided to do it again this year," said Ronen.
The Augusta Jewish Community Sunday School will sing Hanukkah songs during the program. In addition to the dinner, the event will include a showing of Shalom Sesame at 5 p.m.
"This is Sesame Street in Hebrew," said Ronen. "It will be translated, of course."
Cost of the dinner is $10 for adult members of the AJCC and $6 for children 4-12. There is a $30 family maximum for members. The cost to nonmembers is $12 for adults, $8 for children 4 to 12, and a $45 family maximum. There is no charge for children 3 and under.
"This event is a way for us to share our happy holiday and customs with people if they are interested," said Ronen. "Plus, it brings people of the different synagogues across the area together."
Ronen stresses the importance of making reservations for the event, as the crowd can reach 200 to 250 people.
"All of the food is cooked by volunteers who start at 8 in the morning," she said. "It's important that we know how many we need to prepare for."
Reservations should be made no later than Tuesday by calling (706) 228-3636.