JSDD News

      March is Women’s History Month. Every woman has a history. Each woman comes into this world with skills and ideas, hopes and dreams. This month I will be paying attention to the histories of the women I know. I will spend time learning about women I don’t know and try to understand their stories. I know that those histories will affect my own. I am honored to share a little of my story here. As most women do, I wear many hats. I am an artist, a wife, a daughter, and a mother of two very wonderful people. I am also the art studio coordinator at JSDD’s WAE Center. When my son was 2 years old, he […]

  The times, they are a changin’. JSDD has started using Microsoft Teams. This was the first Shabbat to try out the new program and it went off without a hitch. Cheers to the amazing DSP’s who helped make the transition so smooth. It has been said before, but their dedication and ability to adapt is unparalleled!     We welcomed Shabbat with Rachel saying the blessings over the candles. Mark recited the blessings over the grape juice and challah. Rachel shared that she enjoyed spending time at the mall this morning. She showed everyone her new ring and Ralph complimented her on it.  The torah portion of the week “Pekudei” is the final parsha of the book of “Shemot” […]

  Shabbat celebrations began this week just like last week with Rachel chanting the blessing over the candles followed by Daniel and Todd performing the blessings for the candles and the challah. Rachel shared that she loved spending time with Stacy again this week. Daniel is looking forward to spending time with his father this weekend. Vayakhel, the torah portion this week translates to “and he assembled”. The portion begins with G-d commanding the Israelites to refrain from any work on Shabbat. In addition to building the sanctuary, the Israelites bring gifts for G-d and after a while, they are told it is too much and they should not bring any more. Among those working to build the tabernacle are […]

Stacy C. began the Shabbat celebration this week with the blessing over the candles. Daniel and Todd sang the blessings over the grape juice and the challah. Rachel shared that she enjoyed spending time with Stacy, her housemate this week. The torah portion this week, “Ki Tisa” tells of how Moses was with G-d on Mount Sinai for 40 days and 40 nights. During that time, the Israelites start to worry that Moses will not return and look to Aaron. Aaron demands that people bring him gold to make a golden calf. Moses is not happy at all when he returns from Mount Sinai, because the Israelites seem to now be worshipping an idol. In his anger, he smashed the […]

Big Changes – Passing the Baton to Harry Klein, Acting Director Thursday March 3rd, the WAE Center gathered to bid farewell to Aubrie George in her role as Director. Aubrie is taking a step back from the directorship and will remain connected to the WAE Center, both professionally and personally. Members, staff, and families gathered in the WAE Center tradition of presenting work, thoughts, and words about Aubrie and her 8-year tenure with the WAE. Stepping into the void, is Harry Klein who is the Acting Director, WAE Center. Harry began his work at the WAE Center ten years ago as the Art Studio Manager. He has become fully versed in the philosophy and methodologies that help each member to […]