Elgin's Kneseth Israel dedicates new sensory-friendly room as part of Hanukkah celebration
"Hanukkah means dedication. One of the things that we are dedicated to is making Congregation Kneseth Israel as accessible as possible," said Rabbi Margaret Frisch Klein. Recently, Congregation Kneseth Israel was awarded a grant by Jewish United Fund to make the Elgin synagogue even more accessible.
As part of that grant, Congregation Kneseth Israel, 330 Division St. in Elgin, converted a classroom to a sensory-friendly room.
"This room is a great place for kids - and adults - of differing abilities to have a quiet place to chill out. We've added blue coverings to the lights, provided a comfy cushy chair and some bean bag chairs, reduced the clutter, and provided a light that gives off a calming light and white noise," said Heather Weiser, director of education.
The biggest surprise is the amount of use the room gets, from kids, for whom it was designed, but also adults. People of all abilities. People who just need a quiet place during services or during some of the more festive, and loud holiday celebrations, like Purim, Simchat Torah and Hanukkah, added Rabbi Frisch Klein.
On Sunday, Dec. 15, Congregation Kneseth Israel gathered all the children on the floor or a bean bag chair in the sensory-friendly room, where they talked about what was different. They lit Hanukkah candles and read the story, "Nathan Blows Out the Hanukkah Candles," about an autistic boy who celebrates Hanukkah differently. Then each student had the opportunity to help install the new mezuzah, a case on the door post that inside includes a scroll with the Sh'ma, "Hear O Israel, the Lord your God, the Lord is One."
Afterward, there was a quiet, painting activity in the newly dedicated room while there were dreidel spinning contests, wooden dreidel decorating, a selfie station and lots of food for this "Festival of Fried Food" in the rest of the building.
Some of the paintings will be delivered to the synagogue's oldest members who may not be able make it to the synagogue in person. This way they can fully participate in Hanukkah as well. The entire morning was part of CKI's award winning, family education program, "Judaism Rocks!"
For information, contact Congregation Kneseth Israel at (847) 741-5656.
Upcoming Hanukkah activities include:
• Healing Havdalah Service at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21. Join them for a quiet, gentle service on this longest night of the year.
• The Soup Kettle at Zion Lutheran Church from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24.
• Musical Friday Night Service at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 27. Come celebrate Shabbat and sing all your favorite Hanukkah songs and share and a special story about the new moon of Hanukkah, especially celebrated in Hispanic Jewish cultures.
• Shabbat morning service at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 28. Celebrate Hanukkah, Shabbat and Rosh Hodesh. Three Torahs, Hallel and much festivity as they increase the light.