While Independence Day for Americans means fireworks and parades on the Fourth of July, today, Israel is celebrating its own 64^th Independence Day. This afternoon, stop by the Aaron Family JCC from 4:30 to 8 p.m. and be transported free of charge to the holy land of Israel. Listen to music from Bein Hamerarim, enjoy Israeli foods, send an e-mail to the Western Wall, and practice Israeli dancing. Visit booths of Israeli cities such as Acco, Beersheva, Jerusalem, and Tel Aviv, and learn about the culture.  For more information click here.

As the final night of Hanukkah approaches, the Jewish Community Center of Dallas savors the last moments of the holiday. Today from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the JCC, teens will fry to the death in a Latke Cookoff. Latkes, yummy and greasy potato pancakes, are traditionally served during Hanukkah. If your teen is interested in this latke showdown, click here.

During the Jewish Federation’s 100^th annual Mitzvah Day, which is this Sunday, there will be hundreds of service projects offered throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Here is a guide to the ones most convenient to the Hollow.

For (almost) Teens: The Jewish Community Center

Perfect for pre-teens eager to experience independence. Teen Connection, the precursor to BBYO, is hosting a service project for grades 6-8. From 1 to 5 p.m.

For Foodies: Temple Emanu-El

The next time your stomach grumbles, imagine the pains of those who go without enough food every day. Go to Temple Emanu-El and help make sandwiches for the homeless. From 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

For Creative Thinkers: Children’s Medical Center

Who hasn’t suffered from the boredom blues while waiting at a doctor’s office? Assemble sheets of word games and crossword puzzles to help adults with sick children pass the time while waiting at the hospital. From 9 a.m. to noon.

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Clockwise from left, Pauline Helfand, Lila Sanford, Rachel Frank, and Mimi Hamel play "mahj" at the JCC. Staff photo: Christina Barany

Pick up Friday’s paper, and you’ll find details about some lively ladies who play mah jongg each week at the JCC, plus a great big mah jongg tournament — the J’s first — that’s scheduled for Sunday. The public event includes a dessert reception, door prizes every hour, and more. Beginners are welcome.

The only catch? Just a few spots remain, says JCC employee Emily Beyer, so you’ll need to register fast if you want to join in (the deadline has been extended to Friday).

“Three thousand years of beautiful tradition, from Moses to Sandy Koufax, you’re [expletive] right I’m living in the [expletive] past!” — Walter Sobchak

That quote from The Big Lebowksi pops into my head every time I come across a mention of another movie, Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story, which will be screened Sunday evening at the JCC. The film includes a rare interview with the legendary Koufax (left), but it doesn’t live exclusively in the past. It also features modern Jewish players such as Shawn Green and Kevin Youkilis. Mazel tov!

The Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas is gearing up for its annual fundraiser on March 27 and is looking for volunteers who can make donation calls in two to three hour shifts. While the parents work the phones, there will be activities for children such as face painting, carnival games, and a Super Hero meet and greet from noon to 2 p.m. If you’re interested in volunteering your time, sign up online or call Chris Unruh at 214-615-5221.

WHO: Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas

WHAT: Super Sunday call-a-thon

WHERE: Aaron Family JCC

WHEN: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 27

The deadline for the ninth annual Points For Peace Basketball Tournament is fast approaching. The 3-on-3 competition on March 6 benefits NATAL, Israel Trauma Center for Victims of Terror and War. The tournament is put on by Yavneh Academy’s Students Against Terrorism club, and will be held at the JCC. Participants must pay a $30 registration fee and raise $200 in donations for NATAL. Sign up today, because tomorrow’s the deadline.