by Dana Rubin‑Winkelman, MSW, CAPSW, Social Worker, Adult Day Services
I hope you and your family are well. I am thinking of you and sending my positive thoughts. I hope to bridge the distance through this electronic connection.
Typically, December has the shortest days and the longest nights of the year, with the “darkest point” of the year—the winter solstice—occurring around December 21. During these colder, darker days, it is especially meaningful to focus on adding light.
At the same time, our hearts are heavy. We are deeply saddened by the horrific tragedy and mass shooting in Sydney, Australia, which occurred as Jewish people were gathering to light the menorah for the first night of Chanukah. We are holding the Jewish community in Australia in our prayers during this painful time. May the memories of the victims forever be a blessing.
And yet, even in moments of profound darkness, we are reminded of the enduring power of light. Chanukah, known as the Festival of Lights, begins at sunset on Sunday evening, December 14. It is a joyful celebration that invites us to illuminate our homes—and our lives—with warmth, faith, and hope. The act of lighting the menorah each night symbolizes bringing light into darkness and spreading positivity, even during the most challenging times. Sharing light is, at its core, an act of sharing hope.
Spreading light extends beyond candle lighting. We can brighten our world through intentional acts of kindness, compassion, and love. We will not allow hatred or violence to extinguish the light we carry; instead, we choose to add more light to our days, our communities, and one another.
We share the remainder of this newsletter, prepared earlier, in the spirit of Chanukah—continuing to add light, even in dark moments. This Touch Points is full of entertaining ideas and clickable links to add humor, warmth, and light to your holiday season. Together, let us lift our hearts and homes with the warmth and the miracle of Chanukah.
“The darkness of the whole world cannot swallow the glowing of a candle.” (Robert Altinger)
LET’S ADD LIGHT TO OUR WORLD:
1. Savor the Tastes of Chanukah: Truth be told, I am a healthy eater, but when it comes to Chanukah, I let things slide. In fact, I “dedicate” (please note the clever holiday word choice – Chanukah literally means “dedication.”) myself to eating tons of delicious, often fried, food! Look below for ways to sample, sip, and nibble our way through this joyous holiday!
- Eat Latkes!: Rachel Sanders writes, “Before we get started, let’s be clear: There is NOTHING wrong with classic potato latkes. They are perfect.” And, being a latke connoisseur myself, I must enthusiastically agree! Traditional latkes are, in fact, dangerously good. If no one is watching, I can happily “snarf down” more than a dozen. However, if you are looking to get a little nutty this Chanukah and mix it up, then click here for “21 Next Level Latkes You Need to Try.” For example, some of these oil-centric recipes are: cheesy latkes, curry vegetable latkes, rainbow latkes, and even hatch chili latkes with hatch guacamole. Give them a try, and let me know which is your favorite. Click here for the entire list.
- Drink Chanukah Hot Chocolate: Hot chocolate is one of those perfect, winter, make-you-happy beverages- and a great ‘go-to’ for any winter holiday. However, this recipe is not your everyday hot chocolate drink. This is ‘Chanukah Gelt-Hot Chocolate!’ During Chanukah, there is a tradition to give gelt (Yiddish for money) or chocolate gelt to children. Enjoy this indulgent hot beverage with chocolate gelt or even with chocolate chips. Click here for the lip-smacking recipe.
- Make Menorah Waffles: Start your morning with an adorable Chanukah breakfast- complete with menorah waffles. The waffles are fun, easy, and delightful. Then, add a hot cup of coffee, sticky maple syrup, and fruit. Voila! A perfect Chanukah breakfast! Click here for the recipe.
- Eat Menorah Pizza: While pizza isn’t a typical Chanukah food, a pizza menorah definitely fits the bill! This is a creative and tasty holiday addition! Click here for the world’s cutest pull-apart pizza menorah!
2. Finding Light in Times of Darkness: As we move through Chanukah and these darker winter days, I invite you to choose light in ways that feel meaningful to you. Light a candle and pause for a moment of reflection or prayer. Add an extra candle in honor of those whose lives were lost. Reach out to someone who may be feeling alone. Perform a simple act of kindness, offer words of encouragement, or extend compassion where it is most needed. In response to darkness, let us add more light—one candle, one kind act, one moment of hope at a time.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.” (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.)
3. Ignite the Mind: Stimulating your brain is like lighting a new candle—each spark keeps your mind active and glowing. Try learning something new this month, whether it’s a favorite Chanukah melody, a recipe twist, or a puzzle that challenges you. Fresh learning builds new neural pathways and keeps the “light” of mental sharpness burning strong.
- Learn/play the game of dreidel: Understand why Jews play the game of dreidel on Chanukah, how to play the game, and what the letters on the dreidel stand for. Click here to learn more.
- Read “9 Hanukkah Customs from Around the World”: This was fascinating! I learned numerous new things. Click here to learn more.
- Try a 3-minute Chanukah-themed Yiddish lesson with Editor, Rukhl Schaechter, from the Yiddish Forward: Listen to the first paragraph of Sholom Aleichem’s short story, “Khanike Gelt,” and see how much you understand. Don’t be intimidated- it’s so much fun! Repeat the words and learn something new! I loved this so much; it reminded me of my beloved Yiddish-speaking Grandparents.
4. Light Up the Night with Music: Chanukah music sparks joy by connecting us to uplifting melodies and traditions that brighten the season. Its positive, celebratory rhythms boost mood and reduce stress, creating a sense of warmth and togetherness. Listening or singing along also engages the brain, strengthening memory, emotional regulation, and overall mental well-being. Enjoy these tunes:
- Smile as you watch Jewish a capella group, The Maccabeats, sing “Illuminating”: Set to the tune of Dua Lipa’s song “Levitating.” The combination of the catchy tune and the Chanukah sweaters will have you bopping! Stick around to the end to watch the endearing outtakes. Click here for this awesome Chanukah jam!
- Enjoy the beloved Ladino song, “Ocho Kandelikas”- Click here (2-minute video) for Pink Marini ft China Forbes, Ari Shapiro, Storm Large, and Cantor Ida Rae Cahana.
- The Maccabeats sing the song, “Latke Recipe”- Use this delightful tune for inspiration when you make your latkes! Click here for the 2-minute video.
5. Speak Out Against Anti-Israel and Jewish Hate: Actor David Schwimmer said, “You don’t have to say anything political, no one’s asking you to solve the conflict in the Middle East. Just say that you stand with your Jewish friends, colleagues, and neighbors against hatred and discrimination.” In addition to Australia, please bring Israel into your thoughts with this prayer by The Maccabeats: Avinu Shebashamayim – A Prayer for the Welfare for the State of Israel.
“In a dark place, we don’t just curse the darkness—we light a candle.” (Rabbi Israel Salanter)
As the lights of Chanukah brighten our homes and hearts, may we each carry forward the glow of hope and connection. Let this season remind us that even in challenging moments, our inner flame is strong, steady, and capable of lighting the way for ourselves and others. May the coming month bring moments of joy and peace—one beautiful candle at a time.
Do you have a question related to aging, memory loss, community resources, or caregiving? I am here and happy to assist! Please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thinking of you and sending all my positive energy, light, and love,
Dana
Content may not be copied or reproduced in any form or by any means without Ovation Communities’ prior written consent, and with express attribution to Ovation Communities. Copyright infringement is a violation of federal law subject to criminal and civil penalties.
