Volunteers and local clergy came together this Chanukah to bring joy to older Jewish adults across the Lehigh Valley.

At Traditions of Hanover in Bethlehem, Rabbi Michael Singer from Congregation Brith Sholom joined the residents on the first night of Chanukah to sing songs, light the menorah and tell the traditional holiday story.

Cantor Kevin Wartell of Temple Beth El joined the residents of Atria Bethlehem to celebrate the first day of Chanukah. After retelling the classic story, Cantor Wartell brought a great sense of humor to the event, and even played a comedy routine about cooking latkes while everyone enjoyed a Chanukah-themed snack of latkes and sufganiyot. The residents also enjoyed listening to music and singing songs and prayers together.

Rabbi Seth Phillips and Cantor Jeff Warschauer from Congregation Keneseth Israel brought a musical day to the residents of Kirkland Village in Bethlehem. Armed with a variety of musical instruments, and wearing festive holiday gear, the rabbi and cantor led a series of Chanukah songs before lighting the menorah. The residents also enjoyed a snack of latkes and sufganiyot.

The residents of Country Meadows and their guests enjoyed a Shabbat-Chanukah lunch on Dec. 15. Everyone enjoyed chocolate gelt, sufganiyot and latkes.

In addition to these celebrations, older adults living at home and at residential facilities received a beautiful Chanukah gift bag from JFS that included a card from a Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley student, a dreidel decoration from the JCC of the Lehigh Valley kindergarten, a Chanukah cookie and gelt.

JFS is fortunate to have such great partners in the Lehigh Valley!