We Must Keep Hanukkah Disability-Inclusive During COVID-19

There’s an old joke that every Jewish holiday can be summed up with a single statement: “They tried to kill us, we survived, let’s eat!” The particulars behind the punchline are that we have survived a lot of hatred and many — but not all — of our holidays include communal meals and celebrations that allow us to revitalize our connections to our shared culture, customs, history and each other.

But after months of keeping us socially distanced, the coronavirus pandemic has derailed our longstanding tradition of togetherness, chipping away at the very foundation of Jewish communal life. The latest holiday under attack? Hanukkah — the great unifier that draws Jews to radiant traditions of connecting, giving and spreading light.

No mass gatherings to publicize the miracles of the season. No singing and dancing hand-in-hand. No making crafts, playing dreidel, or preparing heavily fried foods with good friends and perfect strangers. And, most importantly, no disability-inclusive activities.

As an advocate for disability inclusion, I have witnessed the pandemic add numerous barriers to participation for our brothers and sisters with disabilities. Although most of us can find alternative ways to learn, pray, collaborate and socialize from a distance, individuals with disabilities don’t have nearly as much flexibility and are being sidelined from communal activities. Memories of Hanukkahs past make this drastic step backward clearer than ever.

Yes, the Jewish community has harnessed technology to ensure that people of all abilities can log on to virtual community events. But deep down, we know that nothing holds a candle to tangible opportunities for encountering disability, raising awareness and promoting acceptance. If we are serious about securing our Jewish future and building truly inclusive communities, we must safeguard Hanukkah at all costs.

That’s why my organization, Ability Diversity Inclusion (ADI, formerly ALEH Jerusalem and ALEH Negev-Nahalat Eran) — Israel’s most comprehensive provider of residential and rehabilitative care for individuals with severe disabilities — is working hard to save Hanukkah for our residents and reverse this dangerous trend.

For years, hundreds of people worldwide visited the ADI centers during the month of Kislev to shower the residents with gifts and attention, sing and dance to Hanukkah songs, help create seasonal crafts and participate in Hanukkah lighting ceremonies aided by adaptive technology. But with travel discouraged and extreme sterilization protocols in effect at the ADI centers to shield the immunocompromised residents, throngs of visitors are no longer an option.

So, ADI got creative to spread the light of inclusion. When it became clear that the masses wouldn’t be able to visit ADI and partake in inclusive experiences, it only made sense to bring opportunities for disability education and inclusion to them.

ADI got creative to spread the light of inclusion.

Since the beginning of November, ADI has taught children of all ages at schools, community centers and synagogues across North America and the United Kingdom about the care, rehabilitation and advancement of children with severe disabilities. These children have also created beautiful ‘Sensory Hanukkah Cards’ — which include 3D elements that are fun for the residents to look at and touch — to brighten the holiday for the ADI residents. These cards will be delivered just before Hanukkah to show the ADI residents how much they are loved and to symbolize just how easy and beautiful inclusion can be. This project is proof that heightened awareness and real change are achievable, even during a pandemic.

On Hanukkah, the primary objective is pirsumei nisah, publicizing the miracles of the season by retelling the story and spreading our light outward. For generations, we fulfilled this directive by organizing large public events and ensuring that a parade of Hanukkah candles burned along every residential street. But with everyone tethered to their homes, we have no choice but to fulfill our obligations with the occupants of our own households, to go through the motions and hope for the best in the months ahead.

Unfortunately, it feels like we have begun to do the same with our communal responsibilities and inclusive efforts. We find ourselves numb, complacent and treading water. If we don’t take action to prioritize inclusion and meaningful connections during quarantine, we may be faced with irreparable damage to our Jewish communal fabric.

And although Zoom and other tools could be used to promote inclusion and stimulate Jewish connection, they will only truly assist us in these efforts if we aren’t just phoning it in. After all, inclusion is a choice we have to make and act upon — for each holiday and every other day of the year.

Elie Klein is the North American Director of Development for ADI (formerly ALEH Jerusalem and ALEH Negev-Nahalat Eran), Israel’s most comprehensive provider of residential and rehabilitative care for individuals with severe disabilities and an international advocate for disability inclusion, equity and access.