Celebrating Chanukah with joy: The Jewish Pavilion's Inclusive Festivities

In the midst of the pervasive “Merry Christmas” greetings that echo through Central Florida during the holiday season, the Jewish Pavilion stands as a beacon of inclusivity, ensuring that the spirit of Chanukah is celebrated and cherished among the elderly in assisted living and nursing homes. While the ubiquitous holiday wish is generally well-intentioned, the Jewish Pavilion’s educational efforts have empowered caregivers to go beyond the commonplace and embrace the cultural diversity of their residents.

The Jewish Pavilion has played a crucial role in enlightening caregivers about the significance of Chanukah in the lives of Jewish seniors. Through their educational initiatives, caregivers have learned to “speak Chanukah” and cultivate an understanding of the customs and traditions associated with this Festival of Lights. This enlightenment extends beyond the holiday season, fostering a year-round sensitivity to the diverse cultural needs of the elderly residents.

With the aim of providing every elderly Jew with a memorable Chanukah experience, the Jewish Pavilion organizes 50 celebrations throughout Central Florida’s assisted living and nursing homes. These celebrations are more than just gatherings; they are immersive experiences that encompass the lighting of the menorah, blessings, Chanukah history lessons, traditional holiday songs, and a delectable array of festive foods. Musical entertainment adds an extra layer of joy to the festivities, creating an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie.

The Jewish Pavilion welcomes not only Jewish residents but also their non-Jewish friends to actively participate in the Hanukkah celebrations. The organization encourages a shared experience, fostering unity and understanding among residents of different cultural backgrounds. Caregivers and friends alike are invited to partake in the joy of Hanukkah, learning about its customs and sharing in the festive spirit.

Acknowledging Hanukkah:

The Jewish Pavilion encourages non-Jewish friends to acknowledge Chanukah in a meaningful way, extending warm and hearty greetings of “Happy Chanukah “ to their Jewish friends. This simple gesture goes a long way in promoting a sense of belonging and inclusion during the holiday season.

Planning and executing 50 Chanukah celebrations require a tremendous amount of coordination, time, and resources. The Jewish Pavilion takes pride in its dedication to serving the elderly and enhancing their holiday experiences. As the organization continues to spread Chanukah joy, outside support is welcomed, especially during this special time of the year.

Jewish Pavilion Chanukah parties

The following are the dates for the Jewish Pavilion Chanukah parties at assisted-living facilities throughout the community. Please feel free to join in any of the programs.

Dec. 8

Allegro, 2701 Howell Branch Rd., Winter Park, noon

Vitality, 5433 W State Rd 46, Sanford, 2 p.m.

Village on the Green, 500 Village Place, Longwood, 3 p.m.

Oakmonte Village – Cordova, 1021 Royal Gardens Cir., Lake Mary, 4 p.m.

Oakmonte Village, - Valencia, 1021 Royal Gardens Cir., Lake Mary, 5 p.m.

Dec. 10

Brookdale Lake Mary, 150 Middle St., Lake Mary, 1 p.m.

Brookdale Lake Orienta, 217 Boston Ave., Altamonte Springs, 1 p.m.

Dec. 11

Lake Mary Healthcare & Rehab, 710 N Sun Dr., Lake Mary, 10 a.m.

Springhills Hunters Creek, 3800 Town Center Blvd., Orlando, 1:30 p.m.

Dec. 12

Overture, 6410 Sand Lake Sound Rd., Orlando, 2 p.m.

Grove at Trelago, 901 Vista Trelago, Maitland, 9 a.m.

Dec. 13

Winter Park Healthcare, 2970 Scarlet Rd., Winter Park, 10:30 a.m.

Mayflower, 1620 Mayflower Court, Winter Park, 1 p.m.

Dec. 14

Savoy, 80 Michael Blake Blvd., Winter Springs, 11 a.m.

Village on The Green - Oaks, 500 Village Place, Longwood, 2 p.m.

Dec. 15

Watermark, 1519 E State Rd 434, Winter Springs, 1 p.m.

Cascade Heights, 160 Islander Ct., Longwood, 3 p.m.

Dec. 22

Ambiance, 740 Wymore Rd., Altamonte Springs, 10 a.m.