Celebrating Chanukah in a nursing home is a beautiful opportunity to bring warmth, community, and Jewish tradition into an environment that can sometimes feel isolating for residents—especially for those with mobility limitations, memory loss, or few visitors. With a bit of planning and sensitivity, the Festival of Lights can shine just as brightly in a care facility as it does at home.
1. Create a Safe and Meaningful Lighting of the Menorah
Lighting the menorah is the central mitzvah of Chanukah, but safety always comes first in a nursing home.
Options for safe candle lighting:
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Use an electric menorah: Many facilities allow electric menorahs in common areas. Residents can still gather, sing, and say the blessings.
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Supervised candle lighting: In some homes, staff or visiting family might be able to light real candles in a designated supervised area. Check the facility’s fire-safety rules.
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Room-friendly alternatives: For residents who can’t attend group events, battery-powered mini-menorahs or printed laminated menorah cards can bring comfort and connection.
Even if only one menorah is lit for the facility, residents can still participate in the blessings, songs, and storytelling.
2. Bring the Music and Ruach (Spirit) of the Holiday
Chanukah music brings joy and familiarity, especially for residents with memory challenges such as Alzheimer’s.
Ideas:
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Play classic songs like Maoz Tzur, Mi Yimalel, Dreidel, and Al Hanisim during meals or activities.
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Invite local schoolchildren, synagogue youth groups, or family members for a short singing program.
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Use simple percussion instruments (shakers, tambourines) so residents can participate.
Music often awakens memories and emotions, making it one of the most powerful parts of the holiday.
3. Give Residents the Taste of Chanukah
The foods of the holiday—latkes and sufganiyot—are iconic. For dietary restrictions, adaptations can still preserve the experience.
Ideas:
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Offer mini-latkes for easy eating.
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Use baked instead of fried items for residents with sensitivity to heavy foods.
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For kosher facilities, ensure foods meet dietary supervision requirements.
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Bring in individually wrapped treats for residents who enjoy sweets, even if they can’t join group meals.
Even the aroma of latkes frying can trigger happy memories.
4. Share the Story of the Miracle in Simple, Uplifting Ways
Many residents appreciate hearing the Chanukah story, but it should be presented gently and clearly.
Ways to share the story:
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A short, friendly explanation by the activity director or visiting rabbi.
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Reading a children’s book version—simple language is more accessible for mixed cognitive levels.
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Using a felt board, pictures, or props to make the story visual.
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For residents with deeper Jewish backgrounds, provide Torah insights or traditional texts in an accessible format.
The message to highlight: Even a small light can brighten the darkness.
5. Encourage Hands-On Activities
Art, crafts, and tactile experiences help residents feel involved.
Activities may include:
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Decorating paper menorahs or dreidels
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Painting wooden dreidels
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Making Chanukah cards for family or hospital patients
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Simple olive-oil–themed projects (e.g., painting oil jars)
Residents often enjoy being able to “give” something, so card-making or gift crafts can be especially meaningful.
6. Play Dreidel—With Adaptations
A dreidel game is fun for all ages.
Adapt it for seniors by:
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Using a large dreidel that’s easy to see and grasp
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Replacing chocolate coins with safe snacks (individually wrapped candies, raisins, pretzels)
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Allowing staff or volunteers to spin for residents with dexterity problems
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Keeping games brief and upbeat
It creates laughter, interaction, and nostalgia.
7. Connect Residents With Family and Community
The holiday is an ideal time to strengthen relationships.
Ways to build connection:
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Schedule FaceTime or video calls with family during menorah lighting
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Invite relatives to a Chanukah party or music hour
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Coordinate visits from local synagogues, day schools, or community volunteers
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Send residents home with photos or small souvenirs (menorah crafts, dreidels)
For residents who rarely get visitors, community involvement can be transformative.
8. Be Sensitive to Mobility, Cognition, and Emotional Needs
Not every resident can attend group programs, and some may become emotional during the holiday.
Tips:
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Offer one-on-one visits for bed-bound residents
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Bring a portable menorah or music player for room visits
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Recognize that holidays can also trigger sadness or memories of lost loved ones
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Keep events calm, accessible, and inclusive
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For residents with dementia, focus on sensory experiences—music, touch, light
The goal is comfort and warmth, not pressure or overstimulation.
9. Celebrate All Eight Days
Instead of one party, create one small event each day. It keeps the energy going and allows more residents to participate.
Daily ideas:
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Day 1: Menorah lighting in the lobby
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Day 2: Latke-tasting
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Day 3: Music hour
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Day 4: Dreidel tournament
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Day 5: Craft session
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Day 6: Storytelling
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Day 7: Community guest visit
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Day 8: Grand finale celebration
This makes the holiday feel full and festive.
10. Remember the Purpose: Bringing Light
Chanukah is about miracles, hope, perseverance, and bringing light into the world. In a nursing home—where residents may feel vulnerable, lonely, or disconnected—this message is especially powerful.
Whether it’s through a song, a smile, a lit menorah, or a shared memory, every act of kindness fills the halls with the true spirit of the holiday.