The annual “Dedication of Hands” ceremony at Daughters of Israel, led by Rabbi Zvi Karpel, helps staff members to recharge for the New Year. The ceremony, which is available to all staff on various days throughout the end of December, is a two-part ritual consisting of rinsing the hands with water and then anointing them with oil.

According to Rabbi Karpel, “The first part, the water rinsing, is symbolic of washing away the burdens, stresses, sorrows and disappointments of 2019. The oil anointing in the second part of the ceremony is a blessing for our staff to continue their work with our residents with compassion and love in the upcoming year of 2020.”