JCHC Partners with JCC MetroWest for “Festival of Lights” Chanukah Program

Essex County Seniors Enjoyed Candle Lighting, Songs, Entertainment and Holiday Treats Together

WEST ORANGE, N.J., December 16, 2013 – Residents of several senior communities and members of the JCC MetroWest’s Senior Enrichment program came together in early December for a joint Chanukah celebration. The Festival of Lights event was held in Robbins Hall at the JCC, located in West Orange. Co-sponsoring the event was the Jewish Community Housing Corporation of Metropolitan New Jersey (JCHC), which owns and manages four senior living communities in Essex and Morris counties.

 Approximately 100 people attended the lively program which included a performance by comedian Seth Chosak, a “d’var torah” (a teaching based on a Torah portion) delivered by Rabbi Henoch Polansky from The Joint Chaplaincy of MetroWest, and the lighting of Chanukah candles, led by Cantor Rabbi Dr. Elihu Feldman, who also sang Yiddish and holiday songs. Each table was adorned with a variety of menorahs and festive cookies were served; everyone went home with jelly doughnuts and chocolate “gelt” (coins), which are traditional Chanukah sweets.

During the program, Feldman sang the blessings as Marcia Feldman of the JCHC lit the candles, and he led attendees in traditional Chanukah songs; then to everyone’s delight, the cantor surprised them by singing two Yiddish tunes, “Roshikez Mit Mondlein” and “Offen Pripichek.”

“It was a privilege to sing in front of such a wonderful crowd,” said Feldman. “The best part was when I stopped singing and the crowd continued.  Another special moment was when a very elderly resident joined in loudly while I sang Yiddish songs.”

The event is one of many programs sponsored by the JHCH in partnership with JCC MetroWest. The JCHC provides a variety of cultural, social, and educational programs for residents at its four senior communities in West Orange, South Orange, and Whippany to foster an engaged and independent lifestyle. For more information about JCHC, visit www.jchcorp.org.                           ###