SAN DIEGO – The family and I attended the “December Nights” event in Balboa Park on Friday, Dec. 6 in historic
Balboa Park. Through the crowds of hungry and thirsty attendees, we made our way to the House of Israel. We were greeted by a security guard at the front door and there was also another guard at the back of the house.
Miriam Gershenson, contributor to San Diego Jewish World, was the lead volunteer coordinator for the “house” this weekend. To say they were having a busy night, was an understatement. Gershenson invited us in, and volunteers served up plates with warm latkes, sour cream and applesauce for my eagerly hungry bunch. We also got sufganiyot.
It was heartwarming to explain to my son’s friend (who is not Jewish), what latkes and sufganiyot are before he dug in. I taught him a little bit about our culture, however, his sister missed my lecture as she was performing with her dance company. But fear not, I will be cooking up my own soon so they will get to have my version of latkes.
I asked Gershenson if they had any issues with the House of Palestine as I noticed their food tent was behind the House of Israel and on the main street, so close. She said things were calm, but they had an incident of someone protesting and yelling in another language in front of the “house” when Gershenson and volunteers arrived in the morning. The police were called and escorted him away and handled the situation immediately.
I asked how many latkes they had to stock up on and if they might run out. As I looked at the set up in the “house”, there were 2-3 volunteers in the kitchen and 4 volunteers behind the counter who were dishing up Chanukah food. It was a very well running delegation of tasks. Gershenson gave me a math problem which I was happy to pose to my 12-year-twins and son’s friend.
Gershenson said they purchased 24 cases of latkes, within those 24 cases were 20 boxes of latkes, in those 20 boxes there were 8 latkes per box, how many latkes did they purchase?
Simple multiplication produced the answer that 3,840 latkes most likely will be devoured this weekend.
The volunteer-run House of Israel strives to educate visitors about Israel providing information about its history, art, music, and literature. Click here to sign up for volunteer shifts to keep the “house” open and spread the love of Israel.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.
When our kids were young, we used to love going to the houses. They are also special, especially the house of Israel. Sunday is usually the best day to go when different countries take over the entertainment
House of Israel is a great place to learn about Israel or show others how amazing country Israel is.
Happy Hannukah
kol ha kovot to all volunteers, and helpers!!! The best wishes to all Jewish community, light through all year!!!
Thank you for stopping by the house! I’m so happy we were part of an educational moment with your sons friend. It was a busy weekend but, man, was it worth it! We had a blast!