On Dec. 25, many Jews gather to eat Chinese food and watch a movie. At Tikvat Israel, more than 50 congregants gathered to celebrate “Baseball in December,” and instead of Chinese food, they consumed typical baseball fare — hot dogs, popcorn and chips. The Washington Nationals sent swag – including bobblehead figurines for several star players – as giveaways during a trivia contest, where a correct answer won you a trip to the prize table. Participants also played whiffle ball and corn hole. Since the event fell during Chanukah, the candles were lit and songs were sung. Later, the adults sat down for a screening of “Heading Home, The Tale of Team Israel,” a 2018 documentary film about the underdog Israel national baseball team competing for the first time in the World Baseball Classic.
