HANUKKAH AT DSN SHOWCASES SOME OF THE MOST HIGHLY ACCLAIMED EVENTS IN THE JERSEY COMMUNITY. BOTH CHILDREN, ADULTS, AND SENIORS LOOK FORWARD TO THESE WELL-ORGANIZED, INSPIRING AND EXHILARATING GET-TOGETHERS.
On December 26th, DSN hosted not one, but two special Hanukkah celebrations: one during the day for its seniors and the other at night for children and their families. These well-known parties exemplify community building at its finest, bringing everyone together in a positive, happy, joyous, and festive way.
During the day, DSN hosted a joint party with SBH. Over 80 seniors were warmly welcomed at DSN and offered a beautiful lunch graciously donated by PKS. Then the fun began with raffle prizes such as blankets, bathroom sets and kitchen electronics. The seniors were elated! There was music featured by singer Shlomo Haviv, who had all the seniors singing and dancing in no time. Senior Program Directors Stephanie Massry and Vicky Schreiber, couldn’t contain their feelings. “We had such a wonderful day with all of our seniors. They were so appreciative and overjoyed with the singing and the raffle prizes. It was such a nice way to celebrate Hanukkah”.
In the evening, DSN welcomed over 800 community members into its building. It was the biggest DSN Hanukkah celebration ever! As guests entered, they witnessed a magnificent balloon arch display, then enjoyed an elegant dinner provided by Nicole’s Kitchen. There was a bingo stage filled with a massive number of prizes, a photobooth with props, and a Guess How Many Dreidels competition.
DSN mother Stephanie Hanan stated, “My son won an electric scooter tonight. He was so happy! The DSN Hanukkah party is the fan-favorite night of the year! What more can we ask for than to be with our community, have our children entertained and have delicious food for all!”
Executive Director Sammy Sitt resumed his renowned position as master of ceremony. Several bingo iterations were played such as getting a straight line, 4 corners, an X and a fan-favorite “stand up, sit down.” Sammy was smartly able to get the crowd screaming in euphoria as each number was called. The entire DSN gymnasium roared with laughter, hopefulness, and excited energy.
Yvette Nasar, a DSN mother, was amazed. “I am so impressed that my older sons are just as happy about this night as my young daughters. They were all confident about winning something from the big selection of prizes. DSN goes all out!” There were exceptional prizes up for grabs, including extra-special grand prizes to satisfy all age groups, including an Xbox, Airpods, smart watches, a bicycle, Kindles, Barbie dream houses, American Girl dolls, speaker systems, wireless headphones, iHomes and scooters.
DSN’s Youth Director Frieda Shamah enjoyed the night. “I love Hannukah and we at DSN ensure this night is a big blowout success with a stage, microphone, the big screens (to see which bingo numbers are called), prizes, food, and so much fun!”
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 that we have won that battle. Bringing the community together for exciting fun and entertainment is what we do best. 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 finest community in the world, and they deserve the best!”
