The Shul of Bellaire hosted its annual Bellaire Chanukah Festival on the first night of Chanukah at Bellaire Town Square. More than 500 enjoyed the magical-themed event. Magician, illusionist and comedian John O’Bryant was a hit, along with the dinner buffet, latkes, donuts, inflatables, carnival and craft booths and a “magical” menorah. Bellaire Mayor Andrew Friedberg lit the menorah followed by a musical performance by students of Bellaire Hebrew School. Host families were Clive Fleishman, Melanie and Todd Lowther, Adi and Oren Lutfak, Erika and Jed Mandel, Diana and Michael Racusin, Heather and Avi Rasowsky, Deborah and Myles Rose, Morgan and Kevin Steinberg and Lindsay and Elan Tavor. Festival lead sponsors were Momentum BMW and Gallery Furniture.