Seniors and Kindergartners to Come Together to Celebrate Hanukkah During Heartwarming Intergenerational Event

Seniors and Kindergartners toCome Together to Celebrate Hanukkah During Heartwarming Intergenerational Event

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. December 16, 2019 – Wanting to provide an opportunity for kindergarteners and seniors to come together this holiday season, La Posada and the Mandel JCC in Palm Beach Gardens (JCC) are coordinating a special Hanukkah event on December 18 from 3 p.m.- 4 p.m. at the Mandel JCC located at 5221 Hood Road in Palm Beach Gardens.

“Seniors delight in sharing stories and traditions with little children, and we feel this event will be incredibly meaningful for all who attend,” said Rick Minichino, wellness director at La Posada. “Events such as this are enriching for both generations and present a great chance for them to learn about and from each other. We are so excited to bring independent living residents to the Mandel JCC’s After School Program for an hour of crafting, games, stories and refreshments.”

To start, a La Posada resident will teach the story of Hanukkah. During story time, everyone will enjoy latkes specially prepared by La Posada’s chef. These are a delicious reminder of the Hanukkah story, commemorating the day the Jewish warriors made their way into the desecrated Temple of Jerusalem to remove false idols. In order to give them light, they lit a menorah with a bit of purified olive oil that they found, which was originally supposed to be enough for one evening but lasted for eight nights. This is why people celebrate Hanukkah for eight days and eat oil-fried foods to celebrate. Following the story, students will be able to ask the seniors questions about Hanukkah.

“The seniors will help the students make tissue paper dreidels,” said Rachel Fox, director of the Mandel JCC of Palm Beach Garden’s Camp Shalom After School Program. “We heard residents of La Posada are really crafty, so we are excited to see what they help the children create. We plan to decorate the halls of the Mandel JCC so that members can enjoy them for Hanukkah. We know the children will delight in showing them to their friends and family as well.”

Following the dreidel crafting, the students and seniors will break into groups to play spin the dreidel and pin the flame on the menorah. After playing games, the group will take turns singing traditional Hanukkah songs for each other.

“To conclude the event, we will set up cookie-decorating stations for everyone to decorate sugar cookies in the shapes of menorahs made by our community’s chef,” said Minichino. “Children love frosting and sprinkles, so we are certain this activity will put a smile on all their faces.”

ABOUT MANDEL JCC, PALM BEACHES

The mission of the Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches is to build community and enhance connection of Jewish life. The Mandel JCC is a partner agency of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County.

ABOUT LA POSADA

La Posada is a resort-style life care community located in the heart of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The continuing care retirement community features luxurious independent living apartments, independent living cottages, as well as assisted living apartments, memory care suites, private rooms for short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing, all nestled within 22 prime acres of sparkling lakes and lavish courtyards. Providing a variety of amenities, residents enjoy chef-prepared meals, concierge services, state-of-the-art wellness programs, transportation services, and intellectually stimulating events and activities.

As a Kisco Senior Living community, The Art of Living Well® philosophy is in every aspect of community life. Unique social and wellness opportunities strengthen the mind, body and spirit.

For more information, call 561-232-6700 or go to mylaposada.com.

If you are interested in covering this story or setting up any interviews, please contact Nancy Teitelbaum, Mandel JCC Director of Marketing, at 561-259-3009 or nancyt@jcconline.com

Additional Questions or Concerns:

The Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches seeks to build community and enhance connection to Jewish life. The organization focuses on healthy living, high quality Jewish cultural arts, connecting people to Israel and reaching out the broader community. Our programs include an award winning early childhood learning center, after care, summer camp, fitness classes, personal training, sports leagues, bridge, aquatics, enrichment classes and special events for adults, youth and families as well as beautiful spaces available for event rentals. For more information go to jcconline.com or call 561-712-5200.