Throughout the year, the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston works to help our community shine and bring light to those who need it. We’re proud to build the Jewish identity of the next generation and connect our entire community. We literally built giant menorahs, spread the light throughout Houston with our Chanukah hop, helped families bring Chanukah into the classrooms at their schools, and performed tzedakah with the Thank a Firefighter program. These are just a few of our recent accomplishments.
Next year, the magic continues with learning opportunities for all at our upcoming Yom Limmud, annual Day of Jewish Learning; Collage, our signature Women’s Philanthropy luncheon; and Israel Your Way, our community Mission to Israel returns next fall.
Read below to learn about all of the amazing and enriching programming we shared with the community during the holiday season.
Thank a Firefighter
Thank you to our hosts and community members who joined our Firefighter Community Mitzvah Project. It was an incredible success with —- families participating! Across the city, we baked and shared some holiday cheer to express our appreciation for their 24/7 dedication and bravery.
Lego Menorah Project
The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston brought a little Lego Chanukah fun to our day school students during the weeks leading up to Chanukah. Building Blocks Workshops and 950 students at Robert M. Beren Academy, Beth Yeshurun Day School, The Shlenker School, Torah Day School of Houston and Yeshiva Torat Emet built amazing menorahs with beautiful Chanukah symbols and intricate patterns, with some even integrating their school logo! Over 70,000 Legos were used in this project that encouraged team building, taught design concepts, and encouraged imaginative play!
Due to COVID-19 safety protocols, each school hosted their own program individually. The Federation partnered with each school to share the costs of this project.
Chanukah Signs and Surprises
The Jewish Federation distributed 300 signs and bags of Chanukah goodies to people in the community, encouraging them to share the light of Chanukah with a neighbor or friend. Signs could be from the Heights to the Woodlands, Katy to Sugar Land, and everywhere in between.
Chanukah Hop
Across Greater Houston, 23 houses were a part of this year’s Chanukah Hop, decorating their homes and yards with festive Chanukah lights and decor. From Montgomery County to Meyerland, over 420 families signed up to get the Chanukah House map that led them on a city-wide perusal of Houston’s festively lit homes.
Chanukah in the Classroom
Over 2,000 students in schools across the Greater Houston area learned about the Chanukah in their classrooms through Chanukah in a Bag, a set of educational Chanukah materials and activities.
Hanukkah House Drive-Thru
On December 1, more than 300 kids and adults visited our Hanukkah House Drive-Thru. Visitors enjoyed the brilliantly illuminated Hanukkah House, owned and decorated by Dana and Philip Grosman, and joined PJ Library and our partners Camp Young Judaea-Texas and URJ Greene Family Camp for light up goodies and milk and cookies.
Menorah Lighting
On December 2 , over 200 people came together with PJ Library, the J, and Chabad Outreach for a Menorah lighting and community Chanukah celebration at Godwin Park.