HANUKKAH BINGO NIGHT AT DSN IS ONE OF THE MOST HIGHLY ACCLAIMED YEARLY EVENTS IN THE JERSEY COMMUNITY. BOTH CHILDREN AND ADULTS LOOK FORWARD TO THIS NIGHT FILLED WITH DELICIOUS FOOD AND EXHILARATING FAMILY FUN.
On Monday, November 29th, DSN welcomed 600 community members into its building for a Hanukkah celebration. As guests entered, they heard lively Hanukkah songs and marveled at a huge balloon arch displayed at the entrance.
After taking pictures under the balloon arch, everyone made their way to the dinner buffet stations. Nicole’s Kitchen provided the full dinner and dessert. As usual, it was delicious!
DSN member and mother Lillian Manopla stated, “My family looks forward to the DSN Hanukkah party every year. The food was so appetizing, plus the entertainment was wonderful. We are so lucky to have DSN to host this special night!”
Upon entering the gymnasium, guests were asked to guess the number of dreidels packed into a large jar. The person who guessed closest to the correct number of dreidels would receive an Amazon gift card. The winner was young Samuel Sasson! Guests also enjoyed taking pictures in the special photo booth that was set up with Hanukkah-themed props.
This special night personifies community building at its finest, bringing everyone together in a positive way. As everyone settled into their seats, Rabbi Joseph Dana started off the night with a Dvar Torah, speaking to the crowd about the meaning of the Hanukkah holiday. Then, Jack Savdie, a 7th grade Hillel Yeshiva student, recited the blessings on the menorah and lit the candles, followed by the crowd singing Ma’Ozur together. It was beautiful!
Finally, the time came for Bingo! DSN’s Executive Director Sammy Sitt resumed his treasured position as Master of Ceremonies. Several bingo iterations were played such as getting a straight line, an X and the fan-favorite “stand up, sit down.” Sammy doesn’t just call a game of Bingo. He is able to get the crowd screaming in elation as he calls each number. The entire DSN gymnasium roared with excitement, laughter and heart-pounding, energy.
Alison Maymie, a DSN mother, said, “It is simply an amazing night. It is done professionally with the stage, big screen, great prizes and fantastic food! That’s why there is always a huge turnout!”
Frieda Shammah, DSN’s Youth Director, stated, “It is so nice to see our hard work pay off when the kids are thrilled and the parents are smiling. Hanukkah Bingo night is my favorite night of the year. The kids go nuts at the chance to win amazing prizes, including an Xbox, a Nintendo Switch, smart watches, Kindles, Barbie toys, American Girl dolls, wireless headphones, iHomes and scooters to satisfy all age groups. What’s not to love?”
Mother Jacqueline Musry was delighted. “My kids would not leave until the last number of the night was called. It was the best night!” There is a high intensity that remains until the last prize is won. It is an accumulation of happiness, hopefulness, excitement, and fun, all of which make DSN the pillar of the Jersey Shore community.
Sammy Sitt put the night into perspective. “On Hanukkah, we are reminded how the Greeks wanted to tear down the religious and social fabric of the Jewish community. DSN is modern day proof of the Maccabean victory as we unite in our beautiful Community Center with the menorah front and center. Bringing the community together for fun and entertainment is in the DNA of DSN, especially with all the new families who have joined the community. We must provide an opportunity for everyone to meet each other and feel at home. We have the best community in the world, and they deserve the best!”
