On the second night of Chanukah, young men supported by the Children’s Residential Program (CRP) and staff gathered for an evening of festive celebration and learning led by Deborah Lapidus, Speech-Language Pathologist. Rojeh Samouhi, who communicates through his iPad, echoed Deborah as she shared the story of Chanukah by spelling out words or pressing symbols and pictures, like “latke,” “menorah,” and “Chanukah.” Noah Blumberg also enjoyed answering Deborah’s questions, sharing that Chanukah lasts eight days and that latkes are cooked in oil.
While Deborah led everyone through the Chanukah blessing in Hebrew, Kyle Lenczewski and Noah read the prayer in English. Then, Deborah passed around the menorah so that the young men could light the lightbulbs.
With Chanukah music playing, Ronny Fisher, Assistant Manager, brought out fresh latkes he had just prepared in the kitchen. Some of the young men were hesitant about dipping the latkes in apple sauce, but once they did, they found it delicious.
Deborah then passed out dreidels. Together the group sang the Dreidel Song before enjoying a friendly competition or simply spinning the dreidel around.
Kyle wanted to dance to the “Chanukah, Oh Chanukah!” song. “The menorah looks nice,” Kyle said as he danced to the music. “Today is the second day of Chanukah, and tomorrow we light the third one.”
John Ostuni, alongside Direct Support Professionals Shauntee Dunn and Herbert Goode, also joined in the dancing.
This is Shauntee’s fourth Chanukah at the CRP, and she loves it because she always learns something new.
“My favorite part is the latkes and the dreidel game,” Shauntee said.
To finish the evening, Deborah gave out the chocolate gelt, boxes of jelly doughnuts and crossword puzzles so that everyone can continue their Chanukah traditions, marking another year of Chanukah celebrations at the CRP.
“Everybody was very into it, and they followed the story and understood,” Deborah said, who completed her 17th year of celebrating Chanukah at the CRP. “Especially for the Jewish kids who recognize it, it’s memories for them. And even for the kids who aren’t Jewish, they still like the holiday. Everyone being together is wonderful.”
