November, 2009/Heshvan 5770

Dear Friends,  

“Bring some light into the darkness.” These words by contemporary songwriter Rabbi Margot Stein reflect the power of Hanukkah. In the darkest time of the year, the Festival of Lights, as Hanukkah is known, illumines our lives with joy. For elders living in nursing homes, assisted living and retirement communities, loneliness, loss and frailty can create moments of darkness. Hanukkah’s bright presence can be especially powerful for them.  

Since Sacred Seasons’ Hanukkah celebration kit debuted, thousands of Jewish elders in over 330 communities across North America and around the world have found delight and solace right where they live. Staff, volunteers and family members have been empowered to create beautiful celebrations around the nightly Hanukkah candlelighting with our simple and easy-to-use resource. 

I hope that you will join them and bring Hanukkah’s light to elders in your care. On our site, you can download printed components of the celebration kit or order a complete kit for a modest $18 shipping and handling fee. If you download the printed matter, don’t forget to order the accompanying CD  for only $7.50 to defray shipping and handling. You’ll find incredibly rich resources in the kit: a leader’s guide, step-by-step instructions, large-type master copies of participant handouts in Hebrew, English and transliteration, chord charts, activity ideas, recipes, and a beautiful CD recording with all of the songs and blessings. 

Order now in order to get these materials in time for Hanukkah. The first candle is lit the evening of Friday, December 11, and the last on the evening of Friday, December 18. 

With blessings for light and joy,