Latkes & Mariachi: HMH hosts Chicanukah Party

Who would have thought to top their Chanukah latkes with guacamole and pico de gallo?

Using traditional Mexican (or Tex-Mex) accompaniments was just one of the ways 300 guests celebrated connections between Jewish and Latino communities at the Chicanukah Party held Dec. 19 at Holocaust Museum Houston.

Conflating traditional foods from Latino and Jewish cultures, such as sufganiyot and buñuelos served side by side, added to the festive occasion. Music was provided by a Mariachi band that played in the museum’s expansive lobby. Jewish community leaders spoke to guests about how their organizations’ values align with developing relationships between the Latino and Jewish communities through cultural celebrations.

The JHV spoke with representatives from the four partner organizations that collaborated to make the event a success. These were the Center for Latino-Jewish Relations, Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, Holocaust Museum Houston and the American Jewish Committee.

Rabbi Peter Tarlow, executive director of the Center for Latino-Jewish Relations, shared how the organization’s activities have evolved, while their purpose is as strong as ever.

“Twelve years ago, my colleague Jacob Monty [president of the Center for Latino-Jewish Relations] and I wanted to create an event that celebrated Latino and Jewish cultures,” said Rabbi Tarlow. “At first it was a small affair, maybe 20 to 30 [people] but it grew quickly. New traditions were added.

“We grew so big that this year the Center decided to partner with leaders in the Houston Jewish community.”

Erica Winsor, Public Affairs officer for the Federation, explained the importance of the event at this historical time.

“People are aware in a post-Oct. 7 world that, as Jews, we need to strengthen our relationships outside the Jewish community. People are afraid of what they do not know.

“When they have an opportunity to get to know us, not what they see on the news, not what buzz words they hear, but when they get to see our beautiful culture, heritage and history on display, it will create a connection – particularly with a people who place so much value on their own culture and heritage.

“For me, even though our focus may be on two different things, it is that focus on our heritage and family history and our connections that both peoples value and that bring us together.”

This event showcases what HMH is all about.

“This opportunity to host this event fit perfectly with our efforts in bridging with Houston’s diverse communities,” said Elyse Spector Kalmans, HMH board chair. “The museum is happy to host events that bring communities together to share our common and diverse backgrounds.”

Laurie Garcia is the museum’s director of Education and responsible for its Latinx Initiatives Program.

“The program supports the museum’s mission of educating students, teachers and community members about the history of the Holocaust through bilingual school programs, teacher workshops and institutes, public programs, community partnerships and Spanish-language outreach,” said Garcia.

“This is why we were excited to be a co-sponsor of this event, as it promotes cross-cultural dialogue and allyship so that we can stand together against antisemitism while uplifting the Jewish community.”

Rachel Schneider is American Jewish Committee Houston’s regional director. She said, “We had been working with the Latino community for decades, so it made sense to be involved with the work.

“We have an interfaith, intergroup initiative called Community of Conscience. We have many faith and ethnic leaders on it. Part of our mission is outreach to those communities. We were excited with the idea, so we jumped on board.”

After guests spent an hour enjoying cross-cultural foods and getting to know one another, they moved to the amphitheater to learn more about the partner organizations.

Renée Wizig-Barrios, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, introduced the guest speakers, alternating between English and Spanish.

“[The Federation] is the connector, convener, funder and innovator of the Houston Jewish community,” she said. “We actively work to build a community where all Jewish Houstonians can really live proud, connected and vibrant Jewish lives.

“We hope that tonight begins the flourishing of many beautiful relationships between our communities. We hope you meet people tonight and make friends and these connections will grow and blossom. Our communities intersect in so many ways. We need each other.”

“This collaboration was a team effort,” said Schneider. “Tonight’s celebration shines a light on the connection between our communities, grounded in the shared values of family, tradition and a commitment to justice.”

Among esteemed guests was Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, who reflected on the museum and the event.

“The museum’s focus on unity and connectedness sets this museum apart,” she said. “Here, they practice what they preach. That is recognizing our shared humanity, learning from our histories. Our two groups have a lot in common. For one, they both know how to throw great parties!

“We are both rich in tradition and history. It is Harris County’s diversity that we can celebrate … I think today represents that when we work together, we are absolutely unstoppable.”

Consul General of Israel to the Southwest U.S. Livia Link-Raviv said, “Tonight is one of my favorite events during the whole year.

“Chicanukah represents the bond between our two peoples. Our consulate remains committed to engagement with the diverse communities in Houston. And naturally the Hispanic community remains a huge priority for us.

“Chanukah is a holiday of miracles. It is also a holiday of joy and hope. Whereas we were not joyful for the last 14 and a half months, we are always hopeful.

“The message of Chanukah is clear: Light always triumphs over darkness. This year, in particular … we all pray that [the remaining hostages] will be returned as soon as possible to their homes and families.”

Monty was thrilled with the attendance at the event. “This is only going to get bigger and better,” he said. “One of the Center’s missions is to take Latinos to Israel. When you go to Israel, you see the proof that is Israel, that is what we are all about.”

Before lighting a candle, Rabbi Tarlow shared the history of the Chicanukah Party.

“About 12 years ago, we decided to have a small party with some Jews and Latinos to come together between Chanukah and Christmas. My daughter Lysenda suggested we call it ‘Chicanukah.’ The name stuck. We have grown ever since. … together we are stronger.”

Rabbi Tarlow lit only one candle, symbolizing how we observe the miracle of the eight days, and he led the crowd in the Shehecheyanu prayer. Afterward, guests moved back into the building to enjoy more Mariachi music.

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