JSDD News

Story by Jessica Goldstein Right off the heels of Thanksgiving, Hanukkah began on Sunday evening November 28, 2021. There was a lot of excitement and warmth that could be felt over Zoom. Todd said all three blessings to start the Hanukkah celebration. The first and second blessings are said each night of Hanukkah and in which G-d commands us to light the Hanukkah candles and the second honors G-d who performed marvelous deeds for our ancestors. The third blessing is only performed on the first night of Hanukkah (or the first of any celebration or holiday), the Shehecheyanu which thanks G-d for sustaining us to reach this season.  After the blessings, Todd shared how happy he is to be celebrating […]

Story by Jessica Goldstein  Shabbat this week began with a song celebrating Thanksgiving and sharing about how everyone celebrated the holiday with family and friends and the foods they liked the best. Together, everyone performed the blessing over the candles. Mark chanted the blessing over the grape juice and the challah. The portion this week “Vayeshev” is one of the most well-known. Andrew Lloyd Weber even made a musical about it!  Jacob upsets his sons when he favors Joseph. Joseph begins to have very vivid dreams where he sees himself ruling over his brothers. These dreams upset his brothers even more and they leave him in a pit and sell Joseph into slavery.  After some time, Joseph is imprisoned in […]

Story by Jessica Goldstein The staff and residents of JSDD gathered on Tuesday November 23rd for a very special Thanksgiving Celebration. This gathering was meaningful in several ways. For one, it was the first time the residents and staff gathered in the new building. It was also a time to come together to remember a dear friend, Scott Reich. Scott loved Thanksgiving as it always fell during the week of his birthday (or on his actual birthday). Scott loved having a birthday party at the WAE Center with all his friends. While Scott’s parents have generously hosted Thanksgiving luncheon in honor of his birthday for many years, this was the second year they did so in Scott’s memory.  So, this […]

We welcomed the Sabbath together by covering our eyes and saying the blessing over the candles. Mark recited the Kiddusha, the blessing over the fruit of the vine. Todd performed the Hamotzi¸ the blessing over the Challah. There was a lot to catch up on this week. Stacy N. shared that she is so excited to be flying to Florida for Thanksgiving. Todd had an exciting expedition this week when the rabbi from Chabad took him to see the oldest synagogue in Newark. Todd shared how much he enjoyed seeing the historic building as well as his time with the Rabbi. Toda (thank you!) Rabbi for a very special day. Stacy C. talked about how much she loves her job […]

This week was certainly a joyous Shabbat Celebration. Although we are still meeting via Zoom, you could feel the warmth as we had two November Birthdays to celebrate! The group enthusiastically sang and sent good wishes to both Todd and Mark. Alicia led the blessings over the candles, welcoming Shabbat. Todd chanted the Kiddusha, the blessing of the grape juice. Mark and Aaron joined together to bless the Challah. In the torah portion this week, Vayetzei Jacob dreams of a ladder that goes all the way to heaven with angels coming down from the ladder. In his dream, G-d promises to bless Jacob’s family and his children. After working for many years, Jacob weds and G-d gives him 12 sons […]