Dena Kevelson

The Sabbath is fundamental to Judaism… perhaps the most important of observances.  JSDD’s residents and friends through the direction of Hagit Oren, Judaic Coordinator, join together weekly to observe Shabbat via zoom as an incredibly meaningful experience.  Shabbat began with Yael lighting the candles and reciting the blessing.  Daniel, turned up to Shabbat wearing a handsome suit and performed the Kiddush and HaMotzi. Hagit asked the participants to talk about highlights of their week and Todd happily shared he celebrated July 4th with a visit to his mother and played miniature golf.  The torah lesson this week was about Masei (tribes-journey).  The sons of Reuben and Gad have promised Moses that they will help other tribes settle the Promise Land […]

Zoom Shabbat Gathering – Friday, June 18, 2021   Shabbat Shalom echoed across the Zoom gathering this week as the participants greeted one another.  Each one was thrilled they had the opportunity to see everyone in person at JSDD’s Annual Meeting this past week, which was held  at B’nai Shalom in West Orange in the outdoor tent.  Hagit Oren, Judaic Coordinator, spoke about how acts of kindness help spread the love and positivity to each other, and this was the theme at the Annual Meeting where Ellen Goldner was honored as outgoing president of JSDD. Daniel shared with the group he likes to listen to songs with positive messages of kindness to others. Reinforced by Hagit… “when kindness is real, […]

JSDD residents and guest welcomed Shabbat by happily greeting each other with irresistible smiles saying, “Shabbat Shalom!”   The Shabbat celebration starts with blessings over the candles, wine/grape juice, and challah.  The honor this week went to the Stacy who gracefully recited the blessing over the candles and continued with the Kiddush for the wine/grape juice and ended with the Hamotzi for the challah. Hagit Oren, Judaic Coordinator, lead the group in a discussion of the Torah portion of the week called Shelach Lecha, which is the story of how Moses sent twelve spies to the land of Canaan to see what the land and its people were like.  The travelers returned 40 days later to report on the lush and […]

Shabbat is marked by the spiritual illumination with the candle-lighting ceremony and the tradition was welcomed by JSDD residents and guests with everyone participating reciting the blessing and wishing for peace in the world.  The Kiddush blessing for the grape juice and Ha Motzi blessing for the bread was performed by Kevin. A warm reception was delivered to Todd this week, as he shared his first Zoom Shabbat as a new JSDD resident.  Stacy expressed that she loves living in her home and informed Todd that the direct support professionals are very supportive and understanding. Hagit Oren, Judaic Coordinator, referenced the holiday of Shavuot which will begin at sundown on Sunday evening, May 16th.  Entertaining and educational videos were shown […]

Welcome to JSDD’s Zoom Shabbat gathering celebration!  This weekly experience has become an opportunity for JSDD residents and invited guests to be able to socialize and observe Shabbat by means of Zoom, which is coordinated by our Judaic Coordinator, Hagit Oren.  Stacy from Maplewood was happy to perform the ritual of lighting the Sabbath candles and saying the prayer, and the entire group made Kiddush over grape juice and Ha Motzi over the bread. The holiday of Shavuot begins at sundown on May 16, 2021.  Jews celebrate one of the greatest moments in the Jewish story when the entire people stood at the foot of Mount Sinai while Moses received the Torah from God. Shavuot meals are different as only […]