Rockleigh—Chanukah is a busy time at the Jewish Home at Rockleigh, and this year was no different. One of the highlights of the season was a Chanukah celebration held at the facility by the Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey (JFNNJ). It was kicked off by a concert with Alan Sweifach on the piano accompanying his son Raphael, who had a full repertoire of holiday songs prepared. Raphael started coming to the Home as his bar mitzvah project and, now that the coming of age ritual is behind him, he continues to visit the Home with his father for various events.

Marina Umansky, Assistant Director of Recreation, introduced the father and son duo and noted many of the special events that took place during the holiday, including a visit from the Shirat Chesed choir, an Annual Chanukah party and elegant dining for residents, and visits from various school choirs among others.

The Chanukah program consisted of traditional holiday favorites, such as “Chanukah, Oh Chanukah,” “Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel,” two versions of “Hallelujah,” as well as Yiddish and Hebrew songs, including “Maoz Tzur” and “Sivivon.” The audience joined in the singing as the concert went on.

The party on December 4 marked the 20th year that JFNNJ had hosted a party for the residents at Jewish Home. In addition to the concert, the volunteers brought presents for the residents–lovely picture frames for their rooms. Cake and coffee was passed out to the audience and the event was closed by Charlene Vannucci, Jewish Home Family’s Director of Volunteer Services, who noted the importance of volunteers to the facility and her hope that many in the audience will consider helping with various projects over the year ahead.

The Jewish Home at Rockleigh is a non-profit, state-of-the-facility that provides long-term care, outreach programs and outpatient services for the elderly and their families in Bergen, North Hudson, and Rockland counties. JHR and its sister facility, Jewish Home Assisted Living in River Vale, N.J., Jewish Home Foundation, and Jewish Home At Home are members of the Jewish Home Family, Inc. whose mission it is to develop and oversee the very best of care, services, and advice for the elderly and their families at home and in their facilities, now and in the future, consistent with Jewish tradition and values.

By Melanie S. Cohen