By Cailin Acosta
SAN DIEGO – Jewish Federation of San Diego got into the Chanukah spirit by meeting up for the “8 Crazy Flights of Chanukah” Wednesday evening, Dec. 18 at Bivouac Cider Works and Adventure Lodge in North Park.
Hailey Pryce-Shidler, Federations Events and Programs Coordinator, greeted everyone at the door with her welcoming smile and was wearing a cozy warm Chanukah scarf. I put on my large pink dreidel earrings that got many compliments throughout the night. All attendees received a wristband to use at the bar which was ready to serve the 8 flights on tap.
Lara Worm, Owner of Bivouac Cider Works and Adventure Lodge, greeted me with a big hug. I stuck to the non-alcoholic ciders that Worm had made that day, which were plum and a ginger ones, and both were very good. Since I am an avid Bivouac enthusiast, I recommended ones for attendees to try. One being the “Cat’s Paw” which is seasonal in the fall as it is a pumpkin cider. I always look forward to it every year.
The night started with vegetarian-friendly food with amazing house made hummus and falafels. At another station there were soy-rizo tacos which were very good as well. I saw attendees eating latkes and went up to the serving table twice to be disappointed that they had been devoured. A nice gentleman found me and said he just saw another tray come out and took me by the hand to make sure I got some before this tray disappears. “A Chanukah party without latkes is just not right!” I giggled to my new friend, Darren Schwartz, the Federation’s chief planning and strategy officer. We then l’chaim’ed our glasses in celebration.
A discussion ensued between a few of us on how you like your latkes. Some argued, it should only be sour cream, and applesauce is just not good on a savory latke. Some argued that latkes should have only applesauce since they add sweetness and maybe a little more healthy ingredients to the fried concoction. I said I add a little dab of both. I told them my daughter mixes them both up on her plate and puts the dollop on top. A few in the group said they did not think of that and would try it. One gentleman came back and said he appreciated the suggestion and can see why my daughter takes her latkes this way. When stuck with a decision, just put them together and the problem is solved.
Pryce-Shidler welcomed the attendees and invited everyone to eat, drink and celebrate together. She also instructed us to check out the bulletin boards at the front and to add our most meaningful Jewish experience and to what Jewish organizations we feel connected. A giant electric menorah amplified the lighting in the room. Pryce-Shidler commented that we were shining our light during darkness.
On the tables were handouts on how to play dreidel, Chanukah trivia, and Chanukah games such as how many words can be made from the phrase “A Miracle Happened There.”
The Adventure Lodge was full of attendees in “ugly” Chanukah sweaters and Chanukah accessories. A few of us laughed when discussing what makes a sweater “ugly” since we wouldn’t buy it for someone to say it was “ugly”? We told those wearing them that we adore their “fashionably-festive” sweaters. But not “ugly” at all.
It was a casual night of schmoozing, eating, drinking, playing Chanukah games and just connecting with those before the chaos of Chanukah and the schools’ winter breaks start.
Click here to learn more of Jewish Federation San Diego.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.