by T.H. Parties and events brighten the Chanukah of thousands of children and family members. Chanukah is one of the most joyous and anticipated times of the year for Jewish children worldwide. Chai Lifeline of New Jersey and Pennsylvania made sure that illness didn’t stop any from having a time to remember.

In addition to all that Chai Lifeline does on a regular day, staff and volunteers were busy prepping and participating in many events over the past week.

Starting with Chai Lifeline’s toy drive, many schools, community centers and offices participated in collecting toys that were distributed to Chai Lifeline families over Chanukah. In addition to the usual drop-off boxes in participating stores, the option to “adopt a family” provided a unique component to this year’s toy drive. Community members were able to meet the specific requests of their (anonymous) adopted family, creating a feeling of achdus for all the participants.

Chai Lifeline NJ/PA families had a wonderful time at Chai Lifeline’s annual Cherry Hill Chanukah party hosted by the Samost Jewish Family and Children’s Service (JFCS) of Southern New Jersey at Katz JCC. A brunch was served while Chazzan Brodsky played and sang Chanukah songs. Chanukah-themed crafts and a magic show had both children and adults thoroughly entertained. Every child left with their very own gift.

At Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania, there was back-to-back action starting with Chai Lifeline’s annual Chanukah party in the Atrium. All children were invited to do crafts, listen to a Chanukah book reading that was broadcast live through the hospital, and of course many gifts. A menorah lighting ceremony was led by Chai Lifeline Regional Director Rabbi Sruli Fried, who lit a magnificent menorah designed by Moshe Shapira of Okeanos Aquascaping and fabricated by Gershon Stolovitz of Railing Mentch. A beautiful rendition of Moaz Tzur was performed by the Kol Sason singing group of Penn University. Pesach Nissenbaum captured the mood with his stunning solo on the violin.

The program was attended by patients, their families and hospital staff, who were touched to take part in spreading light in the atrium of a place where children do battle every day.

Over one thousand people attended the Chai Lifeline pre-Chanukah party at Ateres Reva Hall and were swept under the sea as soon as they entered the room. The event featured a live goldfish menorah, beautiful custom candles, and a masterpiece painted by Chai Lifeline’s very own Camp Simcha girls under the direction of artist Chaya Kipper. A submarine with views from under the sea and a life-size shark topped off the theme, “Life Under the Sea.” Thanks to the creativity of Chavi Chase of Pret A Party, it all came together. Fish balloons by Judy Singer adorned every table and tableclothes from Table Linen added so much.

Hearts were warmed by the sweet voice of singer Yumi Lowy and the debut of a band led by the talented Mendy Panski.

All the children couldn’t wait to hear from their favorite uncle, Uncle Moishy, singing and dancing along with their favorite songs. Uncle Moishy waited patiently to have a picture taken with every child.

Other highlights of the night included a wide variety of arts and crafts, a delicious buffet provided by Dalgar Caterers, and a magic show by world-renowned illusionist Eric Wilzig, who captivated the crowd for close to an hour.

The evening ended with every family going home with a box full of assorted toys specially crafted to match their specific requests.

Further up in New Brunswick, children staying at Children’s Specialized Hospital had a blast with Chai Lifeline volunteers at the annual Chanukah party there. They enjoyed refreshments, a magic show, gifts and, most importantly, the spirit.

In addition, Chai Lifeline volunteers went to homes and hospitals to bring that spirit to everyone. Friends got together with family – the family they call Chai Lifeline.

Chai Lifeline thanked the hundreds of volunteers who continue to make possible all that the organization does.