8th Night for Ethan

November 11, 2013

What: 8th Night for Ethan  - a series of Hanukkah fundraising events to help the family of a URJ Goldman Union Camp Institute camper who suffered a severe brain injury from a lightning strike

When: Ongoing through December 4, 2013 (8th night of Hanukkah)

Who: Individuals and communities are invited to donate and participate in local events

How: Attend events listed below or donate directly at HelpHOPELive in honor of Ethan Kadish

Watch: Watch this video for more information on 8th Night for Ethan

On June 29, at Goldman Union Camp Institute, a Union for Reform Judaism summer camp near Indianapolis, Ethan Kadish was teaching a group of younger children how to play ultimate frisbee when a bolt of lightning struck him to the ground. Today, Ethan is in the Rehabilitation Unit at Cincinnati Children's Hospital preparing for his upcoming discharge to go home. He has a long road ahead, and he is working hard in his daily therapies. His family is facing mounting financial costs related to his ongoing care and necessary accommodations to their home.  Read more about Ethan and his family here.

In the effort to help Ethan and his family, organizers have created a series of Hanukkah fundraising events.

In connection with the Union for Reform Judaism, and HelpHOPELive, URJ Camp George has organized a fundraising flash mob on the 8th Night of Chanukah called 8th Night for Ethan.  This campaign invites individuals and organizations to give donations (in multiples of 18 – a number that symbolizes good luck in the Jewish tradition) over an 18 hour period on the last night of Hanukkah.  Donations will go directly to HelpHOPELive, which has set up a fundraising campaign to assist with Ethan’s ongoing medical expenses.  Camp George’s Facebook page will include updates on the event beginning on November 27 (the first night of Hanukkah) and ending on Wednesday December 4 (the 8th Night of Hanukkah).

Families are encouraged to donate to HelpHOPELive in lieu of a gift exchange on the last night of the holiday and congregations are invited to include donation boxes at their holiday parties or hold latke sales and donate proceeds to the fund. Visit this page for more fundraising ideas for individuals, schools, congregations and families.

On December 4, Team Ethan Cincinnati, and HelpHOPELive are hosting the First Annual 8th Night for Ethan fundraising event in Ethan's hometown of Cincinnati, OH, at the Rockwern Academy (8401 Montgomery Road) featuring a live concert with Jewish rock musician Dan Nichols. Funds from this event will benefit HelpHOPELive in honor of Ethan Kadish.

On December 7, URJ’s Goldman Union Camp Institute in Zionsville, Indiana, will host “Road to Eden/Ethan,” a documentary film screening and musical performance by Dan Nichols to benefit HelpHopeLive in honor of Ethan Kadish.