Jessica Goldstein

How long have you been with JSDD? Eleven years Was this the position you started in? I Started as a group home manager in Livingston and moved up quite a few times. A few years after I started, I became a senior manager overseeing 5 locations Livingston, two homes in Verona, Summit, and the community-based program. I then became the Associate Director of QA in 2018 and then I moved into my current position 2019 Director of QA and Compliance. What is your first memory of JSDD? My first memory was realizing how independent the residents were. Before interviewing at JSDD, when I thought about group homes, I pictured a nursing home. I thought that the staff would have to […]

  Shabbat celebrations began this week with warm virtual welcomes to one another then a chorus of songs in both Hebrew and English.  After the Shabbat prayers, the group discussed the torah portion for the week,” Ki Tavo.” The portion for the week, Ki Tavo which translates to, “when you enter,” discusses Moses instructing the Israelites for the first fruit offering. Moses tells the people the lists of blessings they are to receive should they uphold the commandments as well as how they will suffer should the not keep the commandments. After discussing the torah portion, the participants learned about the upcoming holiday of Rosh Hashanah and all agreed that they are excited to make a traditional holiday favorite next […]

The Shabbat celebration was back online this week. The gathering began with lots of singing of songs in both English and Hebrew. Todd and Daniel performed the blessings of both the challah and the grape juice.   Hagit, JSDD’s Judaic Coordinator, taught the participants about Tu Be’Av which is the holiday of love in Israel. The holiday started this year on August 11th at sundown and ends on the 12th at sundown. It is very similar to Valentine’s Day. Those who observe Tu Be’Av celebrate their deep connection to G-d, their connection with others and use the holiday as a time to reflect and soul search in preparation for the upcoming High Holidays.  It is also a time for forgiveness […]

JSDD was thrilled to attend a beautiful Shabbat Service and dinner hosted by the Friendship Circle’s and the Fabulous Friday program. Everyone was thrilled to see each other face to face. The service began with the women of the Passaic House lighting the Shabbat candles together. While most of the group enjoyed a service at the dinner table, Mark was able to participate in a service in the Sanctuary. When he rejoined the group, he shared how much he loved the service and that he was so happy to be a part of it all. The services were filled with joyous songs and the prayers which are so familiar to the residents.  The group learned about the ninth of Av’ […]

Name: Amelia Mukherjee Title: Physical Therapist How long have you been with JSDD? I started March 2019 Was this the position you started in? Yes What is your first memory of JSDD? Aubrie brought me in for an interview and I loved the beautiful artwork! I spent a lot of time looking at the artwork in the hallways in the old building in West Orange. What has most surprised you about working with JSDD? How many great classes are offered that help promote and incorporate balance, gross and fine motor skills, and activities of daily living (ADLs) such as yoga, tai chi, painting or other artwork, and cooking.  These are all great things, that are fun activities that can help […]