Chamah Brings Light to All Ages This Chanukah

Spreading the holiday joy in Israel and Russia

• December 24, 2025
• - Teves 4, 5786

This Chanukah, Chamah ran exciting and inspiring holiday programs in Israel and Russia, bringing together families, seniors, and people of all ages to celebrate the holiday.

Chanukah marks the triumph of light over darkness and freedom over oppression. It recalls the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after the Hasmonean victory, and the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days. We light the menorah each night, gather as families and communities to commemorate and celebrate, and partake in traditional foods.

At the Chamah Center for the Elderly in Moscow, seniors came together for festive gatherings. The holiday atmosphere included decorations, songs, and traditional treats such as donuts, a beloved Chanukah food that recalls the oil theme of the holiday. Volunteers and staff made sure that elderly members had an inspiring and uplifting experience.  

In Kiryat Malachi, Israel, Chamah’s community center hosted Chanukah celebrations that brought together seniors and families. At the Seniors Center, older adults celebrated with music, food, and the shared joy of the Festival of Lights.

Young children in Chamah’s Day Care Center network participated in holiday programming designed for fun and learning. These included age appropriate Chanukah crafts and activities that reinforce the holiday’s themes of resilience and hope. 

And children in Moscow and in Israel took part in donut decorating workshops and had programs to learn about the holiday. These hands on activities bring the holiday story to life and teach the children about the Jewish traditions.

This year’s holiday came against a backdrop of real world darkness, including the heartbreaking event in Australia, where violence against the Jewish community reminded everyone how vital it is to stand against oppression and hate. Celebrations of light take on extra meaning when communities face threats and grief, making Chanukah’s message of survival and unity all the more urgent. ■

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