JSDD News

Shabbat Gathering Via Zoom – September 25, 2020 Yom Kippur is the holiest and most solemn day of the year in Judaism. Yom Kippur is often called the “day of repentance” as it inspires introspection, prayer and asking for forgiveness so one can begin the New Year with a clean slate. During this past week’s Zoom Shabbat with JSDD residents and friends, Judaic Coordinator, Hagit referenced the importance of asking those who we might think we hurt this past year for forgiveness.  Some participants responded that they would reach out to the people they cared about to share the importance of their relationships.  Everyone learned that Jews all over the world are celebrating the High Holidays and how this year […]

Rosh Hashanah and Shabbat Celebration – Friday, September 18, 2020 It was quite a celebration and opportunity for reflection for JSDD’s residents last week as Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year and one of the Jewish calendar’s holiest days) coincided with the Sabbath.  Each of the homes and some other guests gathered via Zoom for their Friday evening ritual lead by Hagit Oren, Judaic Coordinator, with a special twist. With each home’s holiday table beautifully set, Hagit began by welcoming the Sabbath with the lighting of candles to signify the beginning of Shabbat.  This year was a double mitzvah (holy deed) because Rosh Hashanah also began on Friday night. The Kiddush over the wine (grape juice) was recited followed by […]

  West Orange, NJ – Marilynn Schneider, Director of Jewish Service for the Developmentally Disabled’s (JSDD) WAE Center, announced her retirement at the end of June after over 20 years of service. Under Marilynn’s leadership, the WAE (Wellness, Arts, Enrichment) Center has become known throughout the community and the State of NJ as a premier model program for engaging men and women with developmental disabilities in continuing education and creative endeavors with respectful appreciation for their ability and talent.  Marilynn began her affiliation with JSDD as Chaplain, then moved on to become Director of Residential Services. She served as Director of the WAE Center for the past 16 years. As a staunch advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities, Marilynn focused […]

Rituals provide comfort and structure.  They are often the thing we hold onto during challenging times.  Observing the Sabbath is one of those rituals we can count on to show up every Friday night and continue into Saturday. Our residential community continues to anticipate coming together each week to welcome Shabbat on Fridays.  August 21th was no different as Hagit, JSDD’s Judaic Coordinator, gathered everyone via Zoom to participate in some traditional melodies and recite the blessings for lighting Shabbat Candles, the Kiddush and Hamotzi (Challah).  The residents were eager to share how much they enjoyed the baking class this week and what a treat it was to have fresh banana bread.  Hagit began to discuss the upcoming Rosh Hashanah […]

Thanks, once again, to our partners at The Friendship Circle for including JSDD residents in their virtual cooking class.  Last week’s banana bread baking was a delicious hit!  Special bags of ingredients were assembled by the Friendship Circle and JSDD’s Judaic Coordinator, Hagit, cheerfully distributed them to all the homes.   The opportunities offered by The Friendship Circle have become a welcome addition to the schedule of virtual classes offered by JSDD’s WAE to Connect program and promote relationships and connections to friends while having fun and developing skills and confidence in the kitchen.  The best part is gobbling up the delicious banana bread! Toda Raba to our partners at the Friendship Circle.