The Festival Of Lights Shine Brightly On Our Campus

L'DOR V'DOR

FAMILY, EDUCATION, AND SENIOR LIVING THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS SHINE BRIGHTLY ON OUR CAMPUS

By Jewish Life Department, River Garden Hebrew Home

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Teens, Rabbi Rosenblum, and Michelle Penson from Jacksonville Jewish Center light the menorah at River Garden Blake Zaner, Lottie Smith, and Sandi Driben at The Coves' Ugly Sweater Hanukkah Party

For eight days, our campus bustled with frenetic energy. Each afternoon, community guests, rabbis, and youth groups gathered under sunny skies to lead our inaugural outdoor menorah lighting. The Torah Academy Boys’ Choir kick-started the festivities, performing beloved Hanukkah songs that left the audience cheering for an encore. On the big screen, Yiddish Theatre performers belted out Hanukkah songs in between cooking demonstrations. During his concert, Pianist Bernie Katzman mixed favorite tunes with new additions to the Hanukkah playlist. He wowed the crowd with his debut performance of “Bohemian Hanukkah”, a parody of the classic rock song by Queen. Residents that came down the hall following the tantalizing scent of frying potatoes were rewarded with a plate of crispy latkes in the Frisch Pavilion kitchen. At our fi fth annual Ugly Hanukkah sweater party, triumphant declarations of “Bingo!” punctuated the animated chatter of festively dressed teens and Coves residents forming fast friendships. Participants in the Buddy Box program relished the experience of playing dreidel together in person and sharing gifts.

Our deepest gratitude to our community who participated in each day of our celebration with an outpouring of support.