Welcome to this special Chanukah edition of The Sydmar Sun, with a recap of all the Chanukah action. We’ve had 8 magical nights of Chanukah and a smorgasbord of activities and events to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Sit back, put your feet up, have your cup of tea (and leftover doughnuts, latkes and apple sauce) at hand and enjoy this issue of The Sydmar Sun.
The lights of Chanukah shone brigh as Sydmar Lodge was consumed with joy on the Festival of Lights. We had 8 nights of menorah lighting, music, intergenerational and community engagement, and ample supplies of doughnuts and latkes with the odd spin of a dreidel. It always amazes how quickly the eight days come and go, but as the old adage goes, time flies when you’re having fun, and we remember Chanukah celebrations of 2024.
Residents were overjoyed with musical interactions from two local schools. Menorah Foundation School invited residents - as VIPs - to their end of year Music Show with singing, musical performances on guitars and ukuleles, and dance on the theme of Chanukah. A few days later, children from Mathilda Marks-Kennedy Jewish Primary School visited Sydmar Lodge to perform a variety of songs and piano pieces, followed by a selection of traditional Chanukah songs for all the residents to enjoy and sing along to. It is so wonderful and joyous, especially around the times of Jewish festivals, to have such wonderful relationships with the local Jewish Schools.
See more photos and videos here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HJjJQsuVp/
See more photos and videos of here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18JmMqp6y2/
A group of children, some who are neighbours, other from the local community, visited on Boxing Day to sing Chanukah songs to the residents, who were overjoyed to see the youngsters singing with such enthusiasm and vigour.
See videos of the children singing here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HAMp3t5w1/
Sydmar Lodge was delighted to welcome so many relatives to the annual Chanukah get-together, this year held before Chanukah due to the festival overlapping the general festive period. The relaxed evening gave relatives an opportunity to meet one another with a glass of wine, tasty nibbles, fresh doughnuts and homemade latkes. Rabbi Schochet spoke to the gathering about the significance of Chanukah. The next social event for relatives will happen later in the year - look out for further details!
Every resident had the opportunity to light a candle during the eight days of Chanukah, often along with family members. The festival of Chanukah is one of the best loved and most widely observed events in the Jewish calendar. The powerful images of the miracles of the Jewish victory over the Selucid Greeks in the 2nd century BCE and the miracle of the one-day supply of oil burning eight days in the rededication of the Temple are an annual inspiration to Jews everywhere.
Residents were thoroughly entertained throughout the festive period by a variety of entertainers including The Zimmerettes, Jimmy ‘The Funky Fiddler’, Mike Marandi, William Smith, John Sessions and renowned tenor Yuri Sabatini.
Watch out for some new entertainers in 2025 along with our regulars!
Sydmar Residents went on an outing to central London to see the festive lights as well as taking in the sights and famous landmarks including Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Buckingham Palace, Palace of Westminster, Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben), Westminster Bridge, River Thames, The London Eye, Waterloo Bridge, The Strand, The Savoy, Trafalgar Square, Waterloo Place and Fortnum & Mason.
Afterwards, the residents, dressed up like a million-dollar trouper, headed for a surprise visit to The Ritz for drinks and snacks. Since it was Christmas Eve, the world-famous hotel was abuzz with festive joy and an uplifting party atmosphere. The residents had a reserved seating area next to the entrance to the Rivoli Bar where they could people-watch to their hearts’ content amongst the decadent, opulent, luxurious surroundings, whilst being entertained by live music and choral singing. The journey home took in the iconic Regent Street ‘The Spirit of Christmas’ lights display.
Many thanks to everyone at The Ritz Hotel for such outstanding hospitality.
Residents were invited by the Reception class at Mathilda Marks-Kennedy Jewish Primary School for a pre-Chanukah party. The four and five year olds did an arts and crafts activity with the residents making ‘stained-glass’ Chanukah-themed artwork and played a Chanukah board game before serenading the residents with a collection of Chanukah songs. There are several planned intergenerational interactions with the Reception class (including the annual Pen Pal Project), as well as the rest of the school, throughout 2025. Residents enjoyed light refreshments and brought the children fresh doughnuts as a thank you treat. Thanks to teacher, Mrs Singer.
Sydmar Lodge once again hosted Mother to Mother baby group for their Chanukah session. The Residents were overjoyed to see all the visiting babies and join in with the singing, engaging in the Chanukah-themed joy.
Every resident received beautiful handmade Chanukah cards from Year 5 children at Yavneh Primary School and the Reception class at Mathilda Marks-Kennedy School. It was a very thoughtful gesture from the two schools.
Residents made and signed thank you cards to show appreciation to all the children who visited the Home during Chanukah festival, bringing youthful exuberance, abundant joy and overwhelming brightness to Sydmar Lodge. “Chanuka
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks