JSDD News

Everyone was excited to see each other on Zoom and welcome the Shabbat together. Alicia and Stacy recited the blessing over the Shabbat candles. Todd and Daniel shared the blessing over the grape juice and Mark blessed the challah. “Lech Lecha” – the Torah portion of the week – highlighted how God said to Abraham to go forth from his homeland to the land that God shall show him. God promised to make of Abraham a big nation and bless him and his name. We learned about Abraham’s journey and his love for his wife Sara. Stacy shared that she visited the new JSDD office and WAE Center building and she enjoyed the tour of our new home very much. We listened […]

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On Friday October 8th, 2021, the JSDD family gathered over Zoom to celebrate Shabbat. Alicia began the celebration by performing the blessing over the candles, welcoming the sabbath. Mark recited the Kiddusha blessing over the fruit of the vine (grape juice), Daniel chanted the Hamotzi the blessing over the challah. After the blessings, the group studied the weekly Parsaht Noach with Hagit Oren, JSDD’s Judaic Coordinator. In this portion God warns Noah that there will be a flood and he will need to build an arc to protect his family and the animals, who are unable to save themselves. They learned the story of how the dove became a symbol for peace by going to scout for dry land and […]

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The JSDD family came together to observe Shabbat via Zoom.  Every week the participants are delighted to see each other on their computer screens while sharing warm Sabbath wishes among themselves. The weekly lighting of the candles and reciting the prayer was done together by Stacey and Jill as they covered their eyes and made wishes silently.  Aaron made Kiddush – blessing over grape juice and then proceeded to recite the Hamotzi – blessing over the challah. Hagit Oren, JSDD’s Judaic Coordinator taught Parashat Shoftim, which is when Moses reviews for the Israelites their system of justice.  Participants talked about how to express justice for others, and Todd shared that we could give Tzedakah (charity) to help those in need.  […]

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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 […]

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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, […]

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