JSDD News

Shabbat celebrations began this week by singing songs in both Hebrew and English. Rachel said the blessings over the candles. Daniel and Todd joined together to lead the blessings over the grape juice and the challah. Daniel was eager to share that the best part of his week was creating kindness cards with his job coach. He gave an example of one of the cards where he wrote, “believe in yourself.” Rachel shared that the best part of her week was attending Zoom classes. She really loves the virtual cooking classes. The torah portion this week Tetzaveh G-d decided Aaron and his sons should be priests. G-d tells Aaron about the clothing the priests should wear and instructs how to […]

Everyone jumped right into the Shabbat this week by singing Hava Nagila¸ a celebratory song that translates to “let us rejoice.” This song made Daniel especially happy, and he shared his excitement about seeing his dad and spending time with him this weekend. Hannah and Rachel joined together for the blessing over the candles. Mark, Todd and Daniel recited the prayers for the grape juice and challah. The torah portion this week, “Terumah”, Moses is given the Ten Commandments on stone tablets. G-d instructed the building of the Michkan (house of G-d). It was told that the house of worship should include an ark, curtains, and a menorah. Hagit, the Judaic Coordinator taught that in Judaism the most important and […]

Written by: Ellen and Sam Weinstock for Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month.  February is Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) when Jewish organizations join to raise awareness and foster acceptance and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities. In recognition of JDAIM, we want to spotlight how JSDD’s WAE Center fulfills this mission and has opened many doors for our son, Steven. Think back to the early days of the COVID pandemic when you were socially isolated. These were tough times, and they give one an opportunity to understand what life is like for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities.   People with special needs are often physically and socially isolated from their communities. We had long been searching for […]

Story by Jessica Goldstein Todd and Daniel kicked off the Shabbat celebrations this week by performing the blessings over the Challah and the grape juice. Hannah led the group in the prayer over the candles. Everyone shared wishes and hopes for health and peace. Daniel added that he always prays for compassion. The torah portion this week, “Mishpatim”, Moses discusses G-d’s laws to the Israelites. The laws were varied regarding rules to only worship one G-d, how to keep Kosher, how to treat animals, how to observe Shabbat and rules for ethical behavior. G-d explained how to observe Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot. Moses then went to Mount Sinai to meet with G-d. He was there for forty days and forty […]

Story by Jessica Goldstein To welcome Shabbat this week, everyone joined together to recite the blessing over the candles. Aaron led the group blessing the challah and the grape juice. The torah portion “Yitro” Moses discusses the miracle of the exodus with his father-in-law, Jethro. Jethro helped Moses to spend more time with his family by suggesting he create a system of judges and courts so that he would not spend all his time settling disputes. There is a lot to be learned and admired in how Jethro was nonjudgmental toward Moses and he approached Moses with positive suggestions. G-d lets Moses know that he will deliver a message to the Israelites. They camp at the bottom of Mount Sinai […]