Be The Light

By Jo Strausz Rosen

As December 2022 draws to a close, we are so grateful to each of you who have supported our residents and staff, volunteered at JSL, and made generous contributions. Each of you helps us continue our mission of nurturing our community and enriching the lives of all who live here.

We look forward to new beginnings as we anticipate the annual celebration of Hanukkah. Whether we share it in small groups clustered around our menorahs at home, or out in the brisk Detroit winter with a merry crowd at Menorah in the D, we create a light in the darkness. Wherever we are, as we strike the match that kindles the shamash to light the first of 36 candles, we will enjoy the season’s shining inspiration at sundown on Sunday, December 18.

At JSL, Meer residents will enjoy a Hanukkah concert with Michael Krieger and kindle their menorahs. Hechtman residents will celebrate during a menorah lighting with Ruthe at the fireplace in the library. Fleischman Residents will enjoy latkes and participate in an afternoon Hanukkah party. In Oak Park, Prentis Apartments will hold a menorah lighting at 6:00pm and Coville residents will celebrate the holiday during a sing-along, while Teitel residents will enjoy the holiday celebration in the Winter Garden conducted by Rabbi Polter. All eight days of the holiday will hold the magic of light.

We lead by example, kindling the flames of friendship, compassion, generosity, and love… continuing the mitzvah of illuminating the darkness and spreading hope and joy for all people into next year and beyond. We stand together as Jews to ignite the light of freedom, praying for peace in ourselves, for our communities and throughout the world. May the flame that is you, help to light the flames in us all.

You are the shamashim of our community, sharing your light by creating joy and warmth for our residents and program participants on both campuses and in all the buildings at Jewish Senior Life and The Dorothy & Peter Brown Jewish Community Adult Day Program.

“Light to the eyes will gladden the heart.” (Proverbs 15:30) This Hanukkah may each of us be worthy to see the light of Torah in ourselves and in everyone we meet.

Shabbat Shalom and Happy Hanukkah!