Utah Mammoth Celebrates Jewish Heritage with First Menorah Lighting
The Utah Mammoth hosted its first menorah lighting at a hockey game, celebrating Jewish Heritage Night and promoting community inclusivity.

During a recent hockey game at the Delta Center, the Utah Mammoth held their inaugural menorah lighting as part of Jewish Heritage Night. Rabbi Avremi Zippel from the Chabad of Utah noted that this event followed eight successful years of menorah lighting at Jazz games. The decision to collaborate with the Mammoth was influenced by the team's rising popularity in Utah. Fans expressed appreciation for the event, highlighting its importance in fostering an inclusive atmosphere. Jacklyn Gallegos, a fan, emphasized the significance of feeling safe and welcomed at sporting events, which can sometimes lack such initiatives. Eli Wininger, attending the game, shared that recent global antisemitism has made community support even more important. He reflected on his experiences in Gaza and expressed gratitude for the solidarity shown by those in attendance. Wininger underscored the need to publicly showcase religious identity, stating that it is vital to resist any attempts to silence or intimidate individuals based on their faith. Gallegos added that supporting diverse communities is essential, indicating that all fans, regardless of their backgrounds, understand the value of intersectionality. Rabbi Zippel concluded that in challenging times, different faiths must support one another, fostering love and tolerance among communities. The evening underlined the significance of unity and respect for various cultures. The Utah Mammoth's initiative to celebrate Jewish Heritage Night is a notable effort to enhance community engagement and inclusivity in sports.