As the days get shorter and our temperatures grow colder, we journey into winter with its longer periods of darkness and the potential for downward slopes in our emotional and spiritual paths. Hanukkah and the Jewish calendar provide the opportunity to consider our responses to the darkness, including the light we can yet make and find in our world.

While the COVID-19 pandemic limits us from gathering together in person in a safe manner, the Communitywide Service of Spiritual Renewal for Hanukkah will take place virtually. This expressive and supportive online gathering will premiere at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3. The online format will allow everyone to join in this meaningful service from the comfort of their own home. 

The Jewish Community Chaplaincy program housed at Jewish Family Services sponsors the service. Those planning to attend the virtual service should RSVP to and include your name and email; a link for the service will be sent to you.

Join this expressive and supportive gathering in preparation for the Festival of Lights, where we will share in traditional and contemporary prayers, songs and readings. The Jewish Chaplaincy program, under the auspices of Jewish Family Services, hosts the Service of Spiritual Renewal. The service will provide meaningful reflection on grappling with darkness, anticipating closure for the current secular year, combined with hope for the year ahead.

Jewish Community Chaplain Rabbi Jonathan Rudnick, Lezlie Zucker, music coordinator for Congregation Beth Torah, and local Jewish musician Coleen Dieker will facilitate this gathering.

“I invite all to join us to make your own meaning as part of this experience of Jewish spiritual community,” Rabbi Rudnick said. “Personally, I find this service powerfully connecting, especially in this season of increasing darkness. We would love to welcome you and anyone you’d like to bring.”

A recording of the service will be available afterward on the JFS website: www.jfskc.org.

For more information, contact the Chaplaincy Program by email at   or call 913-327-8250.