Kim Schweitzer
This Chanukah, a group of Ranchers gathered at The Bistro for the first night of Chanukah to light the traditional menorah (a candelabra used in Jewish worship). Joel Barnehama, Gary Gilman, and Larry Schweitzer welcomed the large group and together recited the traditional holiday blessings. Eli Offer, grandson of Leslie and Stuart Offer lit the first candle.
Known as the Festival of Lights, Chanukah, a celebration of family and freedom, lasts for eight days. At what is the coldest, darkest time of the year for many people, we celebrate by bringing light and warmth into our homes, into our communities and into the world around us. Chanukah commemorates a military victory in 165 B.C. of the Jewish Maccabees over the Syrian army. After the victory, the Maccabees rededicated their temple by lighting an ‘eternal flame.’ There was just enough oil to burn for one day, but miraculously the oil lasted for eight days … and that is why on each of the eight nights of Chanukah candles are lit on the menorah.
Latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) or even churros—foods cooked in oil—are customarily eaten during Chanukah to commemorate the miracle of the of oil lasting for eight days.
And boy were there latkes! Ellen and Joel welcomed over 60 people to their home to enjoy traditional Chanukah delicacies. The hosts and guests provided luscious fare including, cheese blintzes, spinach quiche, chopped liver, pigs in a blanket, whitefish salad, and so much more. The desserts included the traditional sufganiyot (jelly donuts), babka, cupcakes, rugalach, sugar cookies, and more.
Guests were greeted with bowls of chocolate “gelt” and dreidels to play the traditional holiday game. All guests received raffle prizes of traditional foods, including matzo, kosher salt, soup mix, matzo meal, and cake mix.
The SBR Shalom Club was formed in 2011 and continues to grow.
Many of us are new to Arizona; our goal is to recreate the tastes, smells, and happy memories of our past, make new friends, and spend quality time together.
For information, send your name and email address to Sherri Gilman at slgilman4@gmail.com or Ellen Robin at ellen.robin@gmail.com.
Our Mission
The Shalom Club is dedicated to the enrichment of Jewish life for SaddleBrooke Ranch residents. Our goal is to create a warm and welcoming environment in our community that builds strong lifelong relationships, celebrates together, and supports each other in times of need.