Chanukah is a memorable time of year for children and families. When the gloom and despair threatens to darken the festivities for families dealing with illness, Chai Lifeline ensures that each family gets a boost of light and laughter to take them through the season.

This year, things were busy in the NJ/PA region!

Beginning with the Toy Drive, over sixty schools, offices, and neighborhoods participated in collecting toys that were distributed to Chai Lifeline families over Chanukah. In addition to the usual drop off boxes at participating stores, the expansion of the “Adopt-a-Family” program provided community members the opportunity to meet the specific wish lists of their adopted Chai Lifeline family, which created a feeling of achdus for all the participants.

In Lakewood, over one thousand people were treated to a sweet Candy Land themed pre-Chanukah party in Ateres Reva hall. The event featured loads of sweet treats, grand Candy Land themed décor, a variety of arts and crafts including a Chanukah project with the famous Rabbi B, delicious dinner buffet provided by Dalgar Caters, spinning dreidel ride, and an amazing circus performance by Michael DuBois! A highlight of the night was the musical presentation by Uncle Moishy and Yehuda Aderet, arranged by Shloime Friedman Orchestra. At the conclusion of the event, every family returned home with broad smiles and a box full of toys specially selected to match their specific requests.

Children who were unable to attend the local party were treated to a party in their homes, replete with donuts, pizza, gifts, and of course fun entertainment. Chai Lifeline’s energetic volunteers engaged the patients and their siblings in thrilling dreidel games, and heartfelt singing and dancing.

The party at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia was one that all the patients were able enjoy and partake in their own way. The main event took place in the hospital’s Atrium, with fun Chanukah crafts, followed by a hilarious Chanukah reading by Camp Simcha alumnus Mrs. E.B. Oelbaum, which was broadcasted live around the hospital for those who could not attend. Each patient received an array of gifts donated through the Toy Drive. In addition, an exquisite, hand-crafted menorah was unveiled and lit at CHOP by Rabbi Sruli Fried, Chai Lifeline’s NJ/PA Regional Director. The menorah, which was designed by Moshe Shapira of Okeanos Aquascaping and fabricated by Gershon Stolovitz of Railing Mentch, is an appropriate symbol of light and hope, which Chai Lifeline and CHOP share in their mission to provide support for pediatric illness warriors. Following the lighting ceremony, a beautiful rendition of Maoz Tzur was performed by the students of Kohelet Yeshiva.

The Children’s Specialized Hospital in New Brunswick was abuzz with excitement during Chanukah. At the Chai Lifeline Chanukah party, patients and their families enjoyed donuts, crafts, and a thrilling magic show by the incredible Magic of Marco. Each child was able to select an exciting Chanukah gift of their choice! The Child Life staff reported that the children’s smiles lasted through the week as they reminisced about the Chanukah party and the amazing time they had!

Chai Lifeline and the Samost Jewish Family & Children’s Services of South Jersey collaborated to create a memorable party in Cherry Hill, NJ. Families came from all over South Jersey and Philadelphia. Children and adults alike enjoyed a dairy buffet, unique drip plate crafts, an exciting photo booth, and an exciting magic show by Joe Holiday! A beautiful Menorah lighting was held, with festive singing by Cantor Brodsky. Everyone left in high spirits, and with individually wrapped Chanukah gifts.

In preparation for Chanukah and the Toy Drive, Rabbi Fried spoke to the 8th Grade students of Bais Faiga. He spoke of the importance of chessed and stressed the significance of giving to others. The students internalized the message that they each have the ability to positively impact the lives of others.

Another program that gained ground in Lakewood this Chanukah was the Lights4Chai campaign. Participating stores offered shoppers the opportunity to purchase and display a colorful Chai Lifeline flame on a designated area. Messages of hope and Yom Tov wishes were plastered all around the town, bringing happiness to not only Chai Lifeline families, but to the entire community at large.

“It’s important to provide experiences and times where illness can recede and families can enjoy a day together,” explained Rabbi Mordechai Gobioff, Chai Lifeline’s director of client services. “This is particularly important when children are hospitalized, so our staff and volunteers around the world bring the holiday to them through cooperative ventures with hospitals around the world.”

Rabbi Scholar estimates that Chai Lifeline’s holiday effort, which began before the first candle was lit on December 24th, has reached over 50,000 children and adults impacted by illness or loss in their homes.

“Our mission is to enable children and their families to thrive through the pain, isolation, and hardship of illness. We gave 50,000 people the ability to do that this holiday season. It’s the best present we could ever want.”

[TLS – Press Release]