Children bring Hanukkah, songs to Squirrel Hill nursing home

Dec. 30--Residents of the Charles Morris Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Squirrel Hill enjoyed the singing from children as they celebrated Hanukkah.

It's the third year the youngsters and their parents from Yeshiva Schools gathered at the facility which is run by the Jewish Association on Aging to bring the happiness of the holiday to the senior citizens.

They sang Hanukkah songs and lit the menorah in each dining room on Thursday.

"It's a way to bring the light of the season to the elderly who may not be able to get out," said Rabbi Elchonon Friedman of Bnai Emunoh Chabad in Greenfield who coordinated the event with Eli Wilansky, mashgiach and dietary supervisor food and nutrition for the Jewish Association on Aging.

"This is a way to bring joy to everybody," said Friedman. "We make it a priority to spend time with the older people so they can enjoy the holiday too. I want these children to experience what I experienced as a young child visiting older people for Hanukkah."

More than 50 children sang Hanukkah songs such as "Oh Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah" and "Latka Cakes."

"It makes a big difference," Wilansky said. "When older people see the children they smile, and they are very joyful."

One child, Yosef King, said one of the women kissed his hand.

"I am happy I came here," he said. "I love Hanukkah because we get lots of presents and the candles light up a room."

Yosef King's mother Ashirah said the event is about caring for people in the community.

"I grew up doing such things and I believe it's important to value these people," she said. "It's about connecting generations."

JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact JoAnne at 724-853-5062, [email protected] or via Twitter .

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