A DISPLAY OF UNITY, SOLIDARITY & JEWISH PRIDE
IN THE SPIRIT OF UNITY AND UNWAVERING PRIDE, DSN CELEBRATED HANUKKAH WITH A SERIES OF HEARTWARMING ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS.
Hanukkah festivities took on a deeper meaning this year, resonating with a sense of unity and support for Israel. From a multi-generational lunch to a symbolic balloon release, the events showcased the resilience of the community and its commitment to being Jewish and proud.
Celebrations kicked off with a Hanukkah cookie making activity for 6th through 8th graders on Saturday night, December 9th. DSN’s Youth Program Director Frieda Shamah was thrilled with the turnout and success.
The fun continued on Monday, December 11th, with DSN’s Senior Program Hanukkah Lunch held at TEVA, where seniors were invited to share a meal with their children and grandchildren. Senior Director Vicky Sherry was smiling from ear to ear. “The sight of three, four and even five generations of a single family coming together was both touching and inspiring!” Against the backdrop of traditional music by Elliot Morabia and his band, and the uplifting words of Michael Cohen from the Mitzvah Man organization, attendees experienced a memorable celebration of family and heritage.
In addition, DSN recently launched the DSN Israel Committee led by Honey Dayan and Jacqueline Musry to plan ongoing events in support of Israel. They orchestrated a balloon release at the DSN Beach Club’s TEVA, with every balloon symbolizing a hostage that is still kidnapped in Gaza. A total of 147 biodegradable orange balloons were released into the sky, representing the hair color of the youngest hostages still being held captive, the Bibas boys. Children handed out balloons to seniors, creating a connection between generations. DSN member Esther Epstein was inspired. “I was flipping out from this! Fainting! What an incredible job! And the TEVA retractable roof took this over the top!” Former IDF soldier Zoe Benun shared heartfelt words, and her young daughter sang Hatikvah, adding an emotional and patriotic touch to the event. Watching the balloons released from the open rooftop at the DSN Beach Club was profoundly emotional and poignant.
That same evening, all DSN community members were invited to come together for DSN’s annual Family Hanukkah Dinner and Bingo Extravaganza. The DSN Community Center’s gymnasium buzzed with the excitement of over 600 people. Executive Director Sammy Sitt stood next to an 8-foot high gold-colored menorah, as he explained that this would be the largest gathering in our community to publicize the miracle of Hanukkah. He then introduced Rabbi David Tawil of the Larchwood Synagogue, who proceeded to make the berachot on the menorah and lead the traditional singing of Mao’tzur. Then it was time for Bingo! Sammy got the crowd into a frenzy as he called out numbers with participants eagerly awaiting their chance to win one of the many fantastic prizes. DSN member Yvette Nasar was ecstatic. “My daughter won a bike! A bike! DSN never ceases to amaze me. In all my years living in Jersey, it only gets better!” The event featured a beautiful dinner with latkes and donuts, adding a delicious traditional touch to the festivities. From a photobooth capturing joyous moments, to Hanukkah card writing to soldiers, combined with the booming cheers of children chanting for more bingo, the event exemplified the unity and camaraderie of the community.
Sammy summarized the successful week of events. “DSN’s Hanukkah celebrations this year went beyond the usual festivities, becoming a powerful expression of unity and Jewish pride. It’s a testament to the passion of our amazing staff and wonderful volunteers that we have risen up to meet the challenges of this time. When the community needs us most, we will be there for them. May Hashem continue to bless DSN and our entire community taking us to even greater heights. Am Israel Chai!”
