The annual “Dedication of Hands” ceremony at Daughters of Israel, led by facility chaplain Rabbi Zvi Karpel, took place throughout the last week of December 2015. The ceremony helped staff members recharge for the new year.

The two-part ritual consists of rinsing the hands with water and then anointing them with oil. According to Rabbi Karpel, “The first part of the ceremony, the water rinsing, is symbolic of washing away the burdens, sorrows and disappointments of 2015. The second part, the oil anointing, is a blessing for our staff to continue their work with our residents with love and compassion in the upcoming year of 2016.”