Bright Stars

In the spirit of honor and community, we are writing to invite you to participate in our sixth annual Bright Stars Ceremony of Light and Remembrance to honor the lives of our beloved ones who lost their lives due to mental illness, suicide, substance use, or unexpected death.

We understand that each loss is tender and unique. We want to remember how our loved ones lived their life. Our Bright Stars ceremony will be a small private event on the seventh night of Chanukah, Wednesday December13th, 2023 at 7pm at Congregation Emanu El, with an optional virtual livestream. Our service will be led by Cantor Rollin Simmons with songs and readings.

We welcome all those who have experienced a tragic loss to the Bright Stars ceremony which honors the life of our beloved one during times when they were at their brightest. We also recognize the brightness that shone within our loved ones even when they were suffering.

Our Bright Stars Ceremony of Light and Remembrance will be held during Chanukah, a season of light and hope. During the ceremony, we will read the name of your loved one while inviting you to light a candle we will provide in their memory and share stories.

We are creating a Bright Stars remembrance book and would like toinclude a story of your loved one along with a photograph of your choice. We hope you will participate in our Bright Stars remembrance book. We will be intouch to support you in writing your loved one’s story.

With hope,

Carl E. Josehart, MSW, CEO, Alexander Jewish Family Service

Ada Cheung, PhD, LCSW-S, RPT,CCO, Alexander Jewish Family Service

Gittel Francis, LMSW, AlexanderJewish Family Service

Behavioral and Mental Health Services Team, Alexander Jewish Family Service

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