Chanukah event features fun

By Leah M. Caudle • THE TENNESSEAN • December 10, 2008 The Gordon Jewish Community Center is hosting its annual Chanukah from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. The Bernard Frank Pargh Auditorium inside the GJCC is usually the hub for wedding ceremonies and special events. On the day of the festival, however, the stately room will be transformed into a carnival-like atmosphere. The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature activities such as jumping in inflatables, beanbag tosses and an obstacle course. But the festival will not be all games. Also scheduled are educational activities for children, art projects and a caricature artist will be on-hand to draw pictures for festivalgoers. To further the Chanukah feel, a rabbi will be running a working olive oil press, the oil used in menorahs. Participants will be able to see the total process of making olive oil, said Jordana White, director of marketing/ public relations and special events. Salads, latkes, a potato pancake and juice will be for sale at the event. Admission is free and tickets for games are affordable, White said, with the lowest costing 50 cents. "We're trying to keep costs down and have an event that they can come to and enjoy without spending a lot of money," White said. Rabbi Kliel Rose of the West End Synagogue will conduct ceremonial candle lighting at the event. For more information about the event, call the GJCC at 356-7170.