Magen David Adom – Join us to honor Irving “Papa” Gelman z”l
American Friends of Magen David Adom invites you to join us for a special evening supporting Israel and Magen David Adom. This event is being held in honor of Irving “Papa” Gelman z’l, a Holocaust survivor, and founder of Tarbut V’Torah (TVT) Community Day School: the only independent TK-12 Jewish community day school in Orange County.
Featuring the latest war update from special guest Lt. Col. (Res.) Jonathan Conricus, Former IDF International Spokesperson, and Hadas Ehrlich, MDA Paramedic and Trainer.
Space is limited; register now. For more info please visit https://www.wizevents.com/register/register_add.php?sessid=13448&id=8981
When: Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 7:00 pm
Where: Address provided upon registration
NextGen Latkes After Dark
Ready to fry up some latkes like a boss? This Hanukkah, we’re bringing the heat—both in the kitchen and in the community. Join us for Latkes After Dark, where tradition meets innovation and we take the humble latke to a whole new level. Whether you’re a latke legend or a rookie, Chef Liron will have you chopping, mixing, and frying up a storm. Expect plenty of laughs, a little nosh, and all the Hanukkah vibes while you work with fellow NextGen-ers (ages 21-40ish) to perfect your latke game. And of course, we’ll eat, drink, and schmooze afterward.
What’s in store:
• Team up in groups of 2-3 for some latke magic
• Sip wine, nosh on snacks, and create epic latkes and sides
• All skill levels welcome—whether you’re a latke master or just here for the fun
• $20 per person for a full experience—food, drinks, and the kind of vibes only Hanukkah can bring
• Fresh new spins on your classic latke recipe
What to wear: Comfortable, close-toe shoes and tie back your hair—you’re gonna be chopping, frying, and working it!
This isn’t your average holiday cooking class—it’s a night of fun, friends, and fried deliciousness. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your spot and let’s make this Hanukkah one for the books.
Space is limited, so RSVP now!
For more information, contact Jenna Gerstner, NextGen and PJ Library Manager at jgerstner@jfedoc.org.
For more info please visit https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/WjkETQ?vid=1b42et&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1yICpsGBIlvf5QdcwzqZA3j8WQNm7E-SBtON0GWCgHutEj-6Se39o4VV0_aem_WCHzPgrcRzFqW7AD4eGjwA
When: Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 6:00 pm
Where: Merage JCC
1 Federation Way,
Irvine, CA
Latkes & Vodka 2024
Hadassah Southern California Long Beach/OC area, signature fundraising event, Latkes and Vodka in Costa Mesa on Sunday, December 15, 2024, where we expect Hadassah National President, Carol Ann Schwartz as well as friends and members of Hadassah from the Long Beach, Irvine and surrounding areas to attend.
For more info please visit https://hwzoa.networkforgood.com/events/74337-west-hsc-lboc-latkes-and-vodka-2024
Cost: $125.00
Sponsor: Hadassah Southern California
When: Sunday, December 15, 2024 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm
Where: Avenue of the Arts
Costa Mesa, 92626
Merage JCC Community Hanukkah Celebration Party 2024
Join us for Hanukkah games, Candle lighting, entertainment, and treats for families with children of all ages.
Free and open to the community. Food for sale.
Hannukah starts December 25, 2024 and lasts until January 2,2025
25 Kislev – 3 Tevet 5785
(first candle: Dec. 25 at sundown)
Hanukkah is an eight-day holiday that celebrates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in 164 BCE.
After the Syrian Greeks conquered Jerusalem, defiled the Temple, and tried to prevent the Jews from observing Shabbat and studying Torah, a group of zealous fighters called the Maccabees waged a revolt and defeated the Syrian army.
The Maccabees cleaned up the Temple, rekindled the menorah that stood in it, and re-established Jewish practice there. According to legend, the Maccabees found only a small jar of oil, containing one day’s worth of oil needed for the menorah’s flame. Miraculously, the flame continued to burn for eight full days.
On Hanukkah we eat foods fried in oil, like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts) to remind us of the miracle, and we light candles for eight nights.
For more info please visit https://www.jccoc.org
When: Wednesday, December 18 at 7:00 pm
Where: Merage JCC
1 Federation Way,
Irvine, CA