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Public Invited To Hanukkah Festival In Brandon

By LAURA FRAZIER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 4, 2008

BRANDON - Members of Congregation Beth Shalom of Brandon will welcome people of all faiths to their synagogue Dec. 21 to learn about and celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights.

Temple member Carol Balent said the congregation holds a Hanukkah festival each year for children in its religious school and youth group programs, but decided to open the festivities to the public.

"Everything is free, and it's open to everyone," Balent said.

Temple volunteers will make and serve potato latkes with sour cream and applesauce, along with homemade jelly doughnuts. There will be games, crafts, storytelling, a bake sale and Israeli dancers.

The festival will feature traditional dreidel games and the lighting of the menorah.

"It's a nice learning experience for those who want to learn about different religions," Balent said.

Temple members are paying for the festival so they can offer the food and festivities free to the public.