Ari Weingarten News Today

The New Braunfels plaza lit up with a bright Menorah on Tuesday night as the local Jewish community gathered to celebrate Hanukkah.

Eleanor Lee’s daughters were taking out the recycling around 1 a.m. Monday when they stumbled on a plastic bag containing a leaflet with dog food.

Community members celebrated Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, at downtown New Braunfels’ Main Plaza on Monday with music, jelly donuts, chocolate gelt, games and a menorah lighting ceremony.

For the first time in New Braunfels’ history, a Menorah lighting ceremony was held on Main Plaza. “It took two years for this to become a reality,” Rabbi Ari Weingarten of San Marcos said during the ceremony on Wednesday night. “From here once we’re here, we’re here to stay. Thank you to the city of New Braunfels and thank you to [New Braunfels Mayor Rusty Brockman] for the space. Thank you for your service.” Hanukkah, traditionally spelled “Chanukah,â€...