A thoughtful new Chanukah program brings festival lights to hospitals and nursing homes where traditional candles can’t burn. Produced by Merkos 302’s Chabad on Call, the program includes inspiring and engaging videos with timely themes, so patients and seniors can still experience the warmth of the holiday.
As the winter nights grow longer and Chanukah approaches, a new program is set to bring the festival’s glow to those unable to kindle their own menorahs this year. Called “8 Nights, Lights, & Insights,” the video series offers patients in hospitals and residents in senior care facilities across the country a meaningful way to connect with the Chanukah spirit.
The 40-minute video is divided into eight segments, featuring an inspiring array of presenters sharing messages of hope, resilience, and Jewish pride. From the melodious voice of Chazzan Shmuli Blesofsky to culinary creativity with Fleishigs magazine editor Shifra Klein, each 3-4 minute segment brings a unique perspective on Chanukah’s timeless themes.
“Traditional candle lighting isn’t possible in many healthcare settings,” explains Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302 and one of the featured presenters. “But the essence of Chanukah – the light that persists against all odds – can still shine brightly in these spaces.”
The program thoughtfully balances educational content with entertainment, featuring diverse voices including IDF Sgt. First Class Yossi Bluming, Mrs. Rivkah Slonim of Chabad Binghamton, Rabbi Dov Yona Korn of Chabad House Bowery, and Rabbi Yehoshua Soudakoff of the Jewish Deaf Foundation. Their messages resonate particularly deeply in today’s challenging times, with several speakers addressing how Jewish pride and practice continue to flourish even in difficult moments.
Mrs. Rivkah Slonim’s segment highlights the historical role of Jewish women in preserving tradition, drawing inspiring parallels to contemporary times. Meanwhile, other speakers touch on themes of community strength and spiritual growth, with Rabbi Korn noting how Jewish students on campus are “increasingly seeking connection even in the darkest of hours.”
The initiative, spearheaded by Chabad on Call at Merkos 302, provides Chabad emissaries worldwide with everything needed to implement the program in their local healthcare facilities. The complete package includes not only the video content but also resources for approaching hospital administrators and promoting the program within their communities.
For healthcare facilities, the program offers something special for their Jewish patients this Chanukah. The brief, engaging segments can be easily integrated into existing television programming, providing comfort and connection to patients and their families during what can be a challenging time to be away from home.
While designed for healthcare settings, the program’s reach has already begun extending beyond hospital walls. “We’re seeing Chabad emissaries sharing these messages with community members who might be homebound or simply seeking an additional way to connect with the holiday’s meaning,” says Chani Goldberg, Director of Chabad on Call.
As Chanukah approaches, the “8 Nights, Lights, & Insights” initiative aims to bring the festival’s messages of hope, perseverance, and miraculous light to every individual – even where physical flames cannot burn. Through modern technology and timeless wisdom, the program ensures that no one misses out on the warmth and joy of the holiday.
VIDEO PROMO
Ready to bring Chanukah light to those who need it most? Access the complete program and implementation materials by registering at chabadoncall.com/marketplace. Email [email protected] for more information
For more meaningful Chanukah resources visit, https://chanukah.merkos302.com/
Should be with a lot of Hatzlocha!!