Dena Kevelson

JSDD residents and friends welcomed Sabbath with warm wishes of Shabbat Shalom to one another.  Rachel and Stacy from two different homes joined in reciting the prayer together over the lighting of the Shabbat candles.  Kevin performed the Kiddush over the grape juice and Daniel made the Ha Motzi blessing over the bread. Hagit Oren, Judaic Coordinator, discussed the holiday celebrated the past week of Lag Ba’omer which occurs on the 33rd day of the Omer between Passover and Shavuot.  It is known as a time of spiritual cleansing and preparation for receiving the Torah on Shavuot.  Schoolchildren picnic and run relay races while playing outdoors. It is customary to light bonfires on the eve of Lag Ba’omer and for […]

JSDD is on the cusp of Crossing the Finish Line to a Brighter Future!

We invite you to help us in this home stretch. Over these past four years, the Capital Campaign has enjoyed tremendous community support and we are almost there! The new building, located at 310 Eisenhower Parkway in Livingston, is taking shape and is expected to be completed by early summer – yes July 2021.

To complete the Capital Campaign, we are initiating one last push as we honor the dedication and leadership of JSDD Board of Trustees President and Co-Chair of the Capital Campaign, Ellen Goldner.

New Jersey Jewish News featured JSDD and our new Livingston building in a recent article entitled, “Paving the Way.” Construction of the 17,300 square foot facility to house the agency’s administrative offices and the WAE Center program began July 2020 and is on schedule to be completed by the beginning of July 2021 JSDD is in the final push of the four-year Capital Campaign, having already raised 8.3 million dollars towards a goal of 10-million-dollar Fundraising has included the Brick Paver Campaign which offers engraved bricks for the pathway that will lead to the upper level administrative floor of the building JSDD Board of Trustees President Ellen Goldner will conclude her three-year tenure in June and is the Co-Chair of […]

Weekly Shabbat observances continue via Zoom for the JSDD residences and guests, continually hosted by Hagit Oren, Judaic Coordinator.  Sabbath begins at sundown every Friday and is completed at nightfall on Saturday. The illumination of the candle-lighting ceremony with the prayer recited by Rachel this week, welcomed Shabbat into JSDD’s homes. Kevin recited the Kiddush over the grape juice which sanctifies the Sabbath.  Hagit had the group come together and recite the Hamotzi (blessing over bread). Yom Ha’atzmaut – Israel Independence Day which fell on April 14 & 15th this year was included within Hagit’s teachings this week.  This celebration commemorates the establishment of the modern state of Israel in 1948.  Jewish people celebrate the day with fireworks, barbecues, and […]

Farms are a crucial part of our world and a fun destination to visit to get away from suburban life.  Saturday began with clouds, rain, and a chill in the air, but this did not stop the women of the Passaic Ave home from loading into the minivan and taking a drive to Alstede Farms in Chester, New Jersey.  This trip was especially meaningful for these animal lovers. Upon arrival, there was a scenic hayride around the farm to see the picturesque endless fields where the land was being tilled for planting crops.   As far as the eye could see were orchards of peach and apple trees getting ready to bloom. Following the hay ride the women went to visit […]