By , JTNews Correspondent
Giant balloon menorah
Chabad of the Central Cascades celebrates its fourth annual Hanukkah party with the creation of a 10-foot-tall menorah made out of balloons. Mayor Ava Frisinger and other elected officials will take part in a candle-lighting celebration. Afterward, families are invited to enjoy latkes, donuts, games and crafts and help assemble the giant balloon menorah. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 425-427-1654. Sun., Dec. 21 at 5 p.m. at Blakely Hall, 2550 NE Park Dr., Issaquah.
Mussar workshop
The Seattle Kollel presents a Mussar workshop with Dr. Alan Morinis, author of Everyday Holiness. This session will explore a Jewish understanding of patience: When it is called for, when it is to be avoided, and how to cultivate it. For more information, contact Marilyn Leibert at 206-722-8289 or
info@seattlekollel.org. Thurs., Dec. 25, 10 a.m. At the Seattle Kollel, 5305 52nd Ave. S, Seattle.
New semester at the Seattle Kollel
Beginning the second week of January, the Seattle Kollel is offering 10 new courses on a variety of topics, such as secrets of the Talmud and Hebrew comprehension. For more information, including times and costs, visit www.seattlekollel.org. At the Seattle Kollel, 5303 52nd Ave. S, Seattle.
Lobbying skills training
The National Council of Jewish Women presents a skills training workshop led by former state representative Laura Ruderman. Ruderman will demystify the legislative process, explain how to hold legislative meetings with confidence and share lobbying tips that are tried and true. $10 suggested donations. For more information, contact Lauren Simonds, 425-558-1894,
Lsimonds@ncjwseattle.org. Sun., Jan. 11 at 1 p.m. at the American Red Cross, 1900 25th Ave. S., Seattle.
HIAS scholarship competition
The Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society is currently accepting applications for its 2009 scholarship competition. Any HIAS-assisted refugees who immigrated to the United States after Jan. 1, 1992 are eligible to apply. Scholarships are $2,000 a piece. Further eligibility requirements and the application form can be found at www.hias.org/scholarships. The online application is due by Feb. 24, 2009.