JSDD News

  Shabbat celebrations began this week with warm virtual welcomes to one another then a chorus of songs in both Hebrew and English.  After the Shabbat prayers, the group discussed the torah portion for the week,” Ki Tavo.” The portion for the week, Ki Tavo which translates to, “when you enter,” discusses Moses instructing the Israelites for the first fruit offering. Moses tells the people the lists of blessings they are to receive should they uphold the commandments as well as how they will suffer should the not keep the commandments. After discussing the torah portion, the participants learned about the upcoming holiday of Rosh Hashanah and all agreed that they are excited to make a traditional holiday favorite next […]

By Harry Klein, Director of the WAE Center On Thursday, 08/18/2022, the JSDD WAE Center held its first “Annual Awards Ceremony” for members.  The idea for the ceremony came out of the “WAE Center Member Advisory Board” (GiGi, Roberto, Kevin M., Alicia), who wanted to have a gala event. The awards show was a fun way to celebrate the unique qualities of each of our onsite participants.  The board worked directly with the management team to get things in place, including: a red-carpet step & repeat, photographer, bubbly beverages with fancy hors d’oeuvres, and individual awards/certificates for each member.  Members and staff dressed for the occasion, complete with couture dresses, fancy jewels, while the men were dapper in their suits.  […]

The Shabbat celebration was back online this week. The gathering began with lots of singing of songs in both English and Hebrew. Todd and Daniel performed the blessings of both the challah and the grape juice.   Hagit, JSDD’s Judaic Coordinator, taught the participants about Tu Be’Av which is the holiday of love in Israel. The holiday started this year on August 11th at sundown and ends on the 12th at sundown. It is very similar to Valentine’s Day. Those who observe Tu Be’Av celebrate their deep connection to G-d, their connection with others and use the holiday as a time to reflect and soul search in preparation for the upcoming High Holidays.  It is also a time for forgiveness […]

JSDD was thrilled to attend a beautiful Shabbat Service and dinner hosted by the Friendship Circle’s and the Fabulous Friday program. Everyone was thrilled to see each other face to face. The service began with the women of the Passaic House lighting the Shabbat candles together. While most of the group enjoyed a service at the dinner table, Mark was able to participate in a service in the Sanctuary. When he rejoined the group, he shared how much he loved the service and that he was so happy to be a part of it all. The services were filled with joyous songs and the prayers which are so familiar to the residents.  The group learned about the ninth of Av’ […]

From the Desk of Harry Klein, Director, JSDD WAE Center When the Covid-19 pandemic hit the WAE community over 2 years ago, the staff scrambled to figure out how to stay connected with our members. By May of 2020, we were hosting 4 virtual classes per week. This was a huge accomplishment for those of us who had never even heard of zoom before! This new virtual program was named “WAE to Connect”. Fast forward to summer 2022 and this program has grown its class roster to exceed 25 classes a week while including Physical and Occupational Therapies along with 1:1 interactive engagement opportunities.  WAE to Connect, was being managed by myself and Anthonice Lauriston. While working to get the WAE […]