Jewish Heritage Night fun continued as dozens of attendees took a memorable postgame photo on the ice – Photo credit: Tampa Bay Lightning
Thousands of Tampa Bay Lightning jerseys and T-shirts typically fill Ford Thunder Alley outside Benchmark International Arena before a home game. On December 15, another meaningful accessory stood out among the blue and white: kippot.
Hundreds of people gathered for the 2025 Jewish Heritage Night pregame celebration, held on the second night of Chanukah. The sense of camaraderie was palpable as BBYO students distributed a candle to each attendee, who shared flames with one another to light their own candle. Soon, a warm glow spread through the crowd as two candles were kindled on the towering 12-foot menorah.
The annual event was presented in partnership by the Tampa JCCs & Federation, Chabad Chai of South Tampa and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Guests enjoyed boxed kosher meals on the Michelob Ultra Sky Deck, and each ticket holder received a commemorative Chanukah-themed Lightning pin along with additional swag.
This year marked the 18th anniversary of Jewish Heritage Night. According to a Lightning source, it remains the largest of the organization’s community heritage nights.
Steven Walk, Jill Neuman, Susan Kessler and Rochelle Walk share the flame from a single candle as they light their own during Jewish Heritage Night’s pre-game festivities.
Although the Lightning fell to the Florida Panthers, 5-2, fans were treated to several special in-game features, including the annual ice tricycle race and a postgame group photo on the ice.
“At a time when Chanukah celebrations and Jewish gatherings are being targeted around the world, showing up proudly as Jews matters more than ever,” said Rabbi Mendy Dubrowski, director of Chabad Chai of South Tampa. “Jewish Heritage Night with the Lightning isn’t just a celebration — it’s a statement. We’re here, we’re united, and we will continue to bring light, joy and Jewish pride into the public square, without fear.”
“We were thrilled to partner with Chabad Chai of South Tampa and the Tampa Bay Lightning for Jewish Heritage Night,” said Scott Behar, Tampa JCCs & Federation’s director of community security and education. “It was an incredible evening celebrating Jewish pride and unity, and a meaningful opportunity to share our traditions with the wider Tampa Bay community. The energy, enthusiasm and community spirit we experienced made this event truly memorable.”
Several hundred community members gathered for Jewish Heritage Night’s lively pregame festivities, a beloved annual tradition of Tampa Bay’s Jewish community.