JSDD News

The ritual to light the Hanukkah candles is taking place in all JSDD’s homes nightly lead by Hagit Oren, Judaic Coordinator via Zoom. This year the third night of Hanukkah was also the ritual of Havdalah, a Jewish ceremony that marks the symbolic end of the Sabbath and ushers in the new week.  The ritual involves lighting a special Havdalah candle with several wicks, blessing a cup of wine and smelling sweet spices, while singing joyful songs. Hagit shared videos for all to learn about the ceremony of Havdalah where we relinquish the extra soul received on Shabbat.  We wish for a good week, a week of peace, and joy. Daniel was excited to learn the custom and said, “this […]

5th Night of Hanukkah Festivity via Zoom – December 14, 2020 Hanukkah, one of the most observed Jewish holidays, is a festive eight-day celebration.  The holiday brings light, joy and warmth into JSDD’s homes.  Rabbi Rudin from Adath Shalom in Morris Plains joined the Zoom candle lighting and lent a hand to enhance the celebration through his music and storytelling. Rabbi Rudin recited the blessing while lighting the menorah and lead the group in joyful songs about  Hanukkah. Hannah was so inspired when she listened to the music she began dancing in her wheelchair!  Marci commented that it is a miracle for all the JSDD friends to celebrate together on Zoom, just like it was a miracle that the oil […]

Zoom Shabbat Celebration – Friday, December 4, 2020 It is customary to exchange special greetings on Sabbath such as “Shabbat Shalom” which means “Have a peaceful Sabbath.” JSDD’s residents and friends who gather via Zoom this week were eager to express their welcome and see their friend’s cheerful faces. The lighting of candles ushers in Shabbat, and Rachel was asked to perform this tradition.  It is Jewish custom to light at least two candles, representing the two passages in the Torah which command us to keep Shabbat. Stacy recited the brachah (blessing) over wine/grape juice with the Hebrew words “…borei p’re hagafen,” which refers to the “fruit of the vine”.  The group together then made the HaMotzi,(blessing) over the challah. […]

Welcome to JSDD’s Zoom group Shabbat celebration!  This experience has become a social, at-home Sabbath experience that is enhanced each week by our very own Judaic Coordinator, Hagit Oren.  Rachel, happily, began Shabbat with lighting the candles and reciting the blessing.  Next, Mark was proud to be asked to bless the grape juice/wine for the Kiddush. All the participants together made the Hamotzi blessing over the challah, which is a very popular ritual of Shabbat for our residents. Hagit has created a custom each week to ask the question “What did you enjoy the most about your past week?”  Kevin jumped right in responding he appreciated being with his family for Thanksgiving and that prompted another resident to say she […]

Story by Monica Schneider-Brewer The WAE Center has a long-standing tradition of celebrating the birthday of resident and member Scott R. Each November Scott’s parents provide a beautiful Thanksgiving Feast to the members and staff, bring a huge cake…and we all celebrate Scott. Sadly, Scott passed away this year. In his memory, Scott’s parents arranged for a lunch to be enjoyed at all the JSDD residences and at the homes of WAE Center members, for a “Covid-Friendly” gathering. On November 24th, more than 50 people joined via Zoom for a celebration of Scott’s life. Members spoke, wrote poetry, sang, and created artwork to share their recollections of a young man who had a big impact on this community.  Scott was […]