As the winter nights grow longer and Chanukah approaches, a new program is set to bring the festival’s glow to those unable to kindle their menorahs this year. Called “8 Nights, Lights & Insights,” the video series offers patients in hospitals and residents in senior-care facilities across the country a meaningful way to connect with the Chanukah spirit.
The 40-minute video is divided into eight segments featuring an array of presenters sharing messages of hope, resilience and Jewish pride. From the melodious voice of Chazzan Shmuli Blesofsky to culinary creativity with Fleishigs magazine editor Shifra Klein, each three- to four-minute segment brings a unique perspective on the holiday’s themes.
“Traditional candle-lighting isn’t possible in many health-care settings,” says Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, executive director of Merkos 302 and one of the featured presenters. “But the essence of Chanukah—the light that persists against all odds—can still shine brightly in these spaces.”
The program balances educational content with entertainment, featuring diverse voices, including IDF Sgt. 1st Class Yossi Bluming, Rivkah Slonimof Chabad Binghamton, Rabbi Dov Yona Korn of Chabad House Bowery and Rabbi Yehoshua Soudakoff of the Jewish Deaf Foundation. Their messages resonate particularly deeply in these challenging times with several speakers addressing how Jewish pride and practice continue to flourish even in difficult moments.
Slonim’s segment highlights the historical role of Jewish women in preserving tradition, drawing inspiring parallels to contemporary times. Meanwhile, other speakers touch on themes of community strength and spiritual growth, with Korn noting how Jewish students on campus are “increasingly seeking connection even in the darkest of hours.”
The initiative, spearheaded by Chabad on Call at Merkos 302, provides Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries worldwide with everything needed to implement the program in their local health-care facilities. The complete package includes not only the video content but also resources for approaching hospital administrators and promoting the program within their communities.
For health-care facilities, the program offers something special for their Jewish patients this Chanukah. The brief, engaging segments can be easily integrated into existing television programming, providing comfort and connection to patients and their families during what can be a challenging time to be away from home.
While designed for health-related settings, the program’s reach has already extended beyond hospital walls. “We’re seeing Chabad emissaries sharing these messages with community members who might be homebound or simply seeking an additional way to connect with the holiday’s meaning,” says Chani Goldberg, director of Chabad on Call.
As Chanukah approaches, the “8 Nights, Lights & Insights” initiative aims to bring the festival’s messages of hope, perseverance and miraculous light to every individual, even where physical flames cannot burn. Through modern technology and timeless wisdom, the program ensures that no one misses out on the warmth and joy of the holiday.
Access the program and implementation materials by registering at chabadoncall.com/marketplace. Email info@chabadoncall.com for more information. For more Chanukah resources, see: https://chanukah.merkos302.com/.
