JSDD News

Artist Kimmy F

Each day, artists Faye Graye, Esther Tanahashi, and Yvette Lucas cultivate, educate, encourage, and bear witness to the artistic process of our WAE Center artists. They are truly passionate about their work as art facilitators and we are truly grateful they are part of the WAE Center.

As Women’s History Month draws to an end, what better way to celebrate all our women artists then to let Faye, Ester, and Yvette reflect on the women members with whom they work?

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Our Sabbath observance via Zoom began with all the participants warmly welcoming their friends and guests by expressively declaring “Shabbat Shalom!”  The group then sang Yom Huledet Sameach – Happy Birthday to their dear friend Steven on his special day.  Hagit Oren, Judaic Coordinator explained that the lighting of the candles has a dual purpose, to “Honor Shabbat” and create Shalom Bayit – Peace in the home. Yael joyfully lit the candles and chanted the prayer.  Aaron proudly performed the Kiddush and Hamotzi. The weekly lesson from Hagit began with a reminder that Passover will begin at sundown on Saturday, March 27th. Passover is a festival of freedom and it commemorates the Israelites exodus from Egypt and their transition from […]

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JSDD residents and guest welcomed the Sabbath by joyfully greeting each other saying “Shabbat Shalom!” This Friday night Yael ushered in Shabbat by lighting two white Sabbath candles and reciting the prayer.  Aaron preceded with the reciting the Kiddush – blessing over grape juice and Daniel said the Hamotzi – blessing over the Challah. This week’s lesson taught by Hagit Oren, Judaic Coordinator, reflected on the past week’s celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2021.  This day highlights the mission to help forge a gender equal world.  Hagit showed a video about Ruth Bader Ginsburg, former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, followed by a discussion of her accomplishments.  Several residents said they are […]

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On the last day of each week, Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, is observed.  Jews everywhere pause from their ordinary routine and greet the observance rich in tradition. With the guidance of Hagit Oren, JSDD Judaic Coordinator, JSDD residents and invited guests gather weekly via Zoom and welcome Shabbat. The candle-lighting blessing – Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who has sanctified us with commandments and commanded us to light Shabbat candles, was recited beautifully by Stacy.  Daniel proudly recited the Kiddush blessing over the grape juice/wine and then the Hamotzi blessing over the bread. Hagit spoke about the holiday of Purim which is a festive day of merrymaking and it is common to dress up in […]

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The WAE Center is pleased to announce we are accepting entries for “The Art of Inclusion” – Pride virtual exhibition, which will be held June 1 to August 1, 2021. The entry deadline is April 2, 2021 and artists may submit a maximum of three works. The exhibition is open to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) Artists with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as well as LGBTQ+ Allies. We are seeking artwork that expresses authentic and diverse viewpoints from the LGBTQ+ experience. Artists are encouraged to show us what being an LGBTQ+ person with IDD or ASD means to them and express what their Pride looks like. If you do not self-identify as LGBTQ+ […]

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