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 the Hamotzi (blessing for the bread).
Everyone was asked to reflect on their wishes for the New Year, which included world peace, for the world to be a safer place and, of course, all of our wishes to be able to see family more often in the new year. The group engaged in Holiday songs and shared a video about Rosh Hashanah.
Apples dipped in honey capped off the special gathering as a way of wishing one another a Sweet New Year.
L’shana tova!
