World AIDS day and the Start of Chanukah

This afternoon at 4:30, around fifty people, mostly kids, gathered at the Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven to celebrate the start of Chanukah.  Long time JCC staffer Andy Sarkany led the Hebrew prayers and lit the first candle of the menorah.  Participants gathered around the piano as Richard Gans led the group in Chanukah songs.

There will be four more public Chanukah candle lightings on December 2nd, 6th, 7th and 8th at 4:30 pm in the JCC lobby.  There will be also be a special Shabbat Friends on December 3rd at 11 am with Rabbi Alvin Wainhaus at the JCC family center and a Chanukah celebration with music, crafts, games and more starting from 2 to 3:30 pm on December 5th at the Yeladim Learning Center.  There will even be sufganiyot, traditional Chanukah donuts.

Besides the first day of Chanukah, today was World AIDS day.  This is an annual day to raise awareness and remind everyone of the continued AIDS pandemic.  This years theme is universal access to HIV and AIDS treatment, prevention and care, and recognizing these as fundamental human rights.  

AIDS Project New Haven is seeking donations at www.givegreater.com.  If they receive 50 donations of $50 or more, they will receive a grant from the Community Foundation.  In addition, Saturday will be AIDS Project New Haven Benefit day at Borders Books.  Profits from orders placed with the online promotion code of APNH1218H or from purchases in Borders stores with the AIDS PROJECT NEW HAVEN voucher will go to the AIDS Project New Haven.

As the wind blew the rains outside, it was a good evening to light a candle, both to celebrate the start of Chanukah as well as to remember those who have struggled with AIDS.