Children’s Residential Program Celebrates the Festival of Lights
Surrounded by warmth and light, young men from the Children’s Residential Program (CRP) and staff gathered around the menorah to celebrate Chanukah on December 30.
Speech Pathologist Debby Lapidus has led the CRP’s annual Chanukah celebrations for over a decade, offering meaningful opportunities to celebrate or learn about Jewish customs in a joyful and inclusive way.
Debby started by sharing the history of the eight-day festival of lights: how Chanukah celebrates the reclamation of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of oil, which burned and provided light for eight days when it should have only lasted one. She explained how this history inspires modern celebrations, such as enjoying oily foods like latkes and donuts.
The young men took turns passing around the menorah to switch on the bulbs that represented candles. Next, Debby passed papers with blessings on them to all the young men and staff. After Debby read the Hebrew blessing, she led everyone in an English blessing.
After the blessing, Debby explained the meaning behind the Hebrew letters on the dreidel. She then led everyone in singing “I Have a Little Dreidel” to get everyone ready to spin dreidels she had brought. With dreidels in hand, the young men immediately started spinning them on the table, watching closely with anticipation.
Finally, it was time to enjoy the delicious latkes Assistant House Manager Ronny Fisher fried in oil. With plenty to go around, everyone enjoyed multiple latkes with applesauce. It was a delightful, crispy pre-dinner treat that signified the miraculous oil that kept the Holy Temple’s menorah alight for eight days.
After the celebration, Debby gifted the young men and staff boxes of jelly donuts and chocolate coins called Chanukah gelt as well as activity sheets to learn more about the holiday.
The Chanukah celebration was an educational and fun experience for the young men and staff, offering a meaningful way to come together and share traditions.