Blazers, Chabad team up for Hanukah party

By Jewish Review

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The Portland Trail Blazers have teamed up with Chabad of Oregon to present a Hanukah Jewish Celebration Night at the Blazer’s Dec. 9 game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

In addition to group seating in four seating sections at the game, the event will feature pre-game Hanukah activities, menorah lighting and a post-game party for young adults. Those who purchase tickets at the reduced price for the Jewish celebration night also will receive a t-shirt commemorating the event.
   
Gates open at 2 p.m., with the Blazers taking the court at 3 p.m.
   

“We are very excited about hosting the Hanukah Jewish Celebration Night,” said Mike Golub, chief operating officer of the Portland Trail Blazers.  “It is a great opportunity for the Trail Blazers to team up with Chabad of Oregon to celebrate the holidays and introduce some exciting new game night entertainment options.” 
   
Azamra Orchestra, led by Aki Fleshler, will perform klezmer music before the game on the fan stage located on the South Concourse. A Jewish Celebration community table will be set up in the same area. And children’s Hanukah activities will keep children busy until the game begins.
   
After the game, Chabad is hosting a party for young adults ages 21 and older in the US Plywood Room in the coliseum. The party will include a no-host bar, music and Hanukah foods. Last year Chabad joined with the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland’s Young Adult Division to host a young adult Hanukah party, which attracted about 100 people at the Wonder Ballroom.
   
Chaim Wilhelm, son of Chabad of Oregon Director Rabbi Moshe and Devora Wilhelm, said that the Hanukah Blazers night was the brainchild of his brother Shneur Wilhelm. He said when his brother approached the Blazers “they were excited about the idea and took it from there.”
   
“This is the Blazers’ deal, but we know the Jewish community so we are helping them get the word out,” he added. “We want to get different organizations involved and make this a community event like Lag B’Omer.”
   
He said any group that signs up with a minimum of 10 people will be able to see their name on the big screen sometime during the game.
   
Tickets for the Hanukah Blazers game are available online; visit http://tickets.trailblazers.com/deals and enter the password JPN. Tickets ordered by Nov. 18 will be mailed to the purchaser. For more information, contact Joe Isse at 503-963-3974 or joe.isse@trailblazers.com.
   
Jewish groups interested in more information may contact Wilhelm at shmaya2@gmail.com.