JSDD

Farms are a crucial part of our world and a fun destination to visit to get away from suburban life.  Saturday began with clouds, rain, and a chill in the air, but this did not stop the women of the Passaic Ave home from loading into the minivan and taking a drive to Alstede Farms in Chester, New Jersey.  This trip was especially meaningful for these animal lovers. Upon arrival, there was a scenic hayride around the farm to see the picturesque endless fields where the land was being tilled for planting crops.   As far as the eye could see were orchards of peach and apple trees getting ready to bloom. Following the hay ride the women went to visit […]

Passover Seder via Zoom – Saturday, March 27, 2021   Passover is among the most celebrated of Jewish holidays and a time for the residents of JSDD to gather on Zoom from their respective homes with invited guests and engage in the ritual of retelling of the exodus from Egypt.  The virtual Seder for the second year was officiated by Hagit Oren, Judaic Coordinator. Even with the rituals from afar, most have a favorite part of the seder they cherish.  One of those is starting the Seder by recited and singing the blessing Shehecheyanu.  This is said when you celebrate a special occasion, such as the first night of the Passover Seder. Together Hagit lead the participants in reciting the […]

Our Sabbath observance via Zoom began with all the participants warmly welcoming their friends and guests by expressively declaring “Shabbat Shalom!”  The group then sang Yom Huledet Sameach – Happy Birthday to their dear friend Steven on his special day.  Hagit Oren, Judaic Coordinator explained that the lighting of the candles has a dual purpose, to “Honor Shabbat” and create Shalom Bayit – Peace in the home. Yael joyfully lit the candles and chanted the prayer.  Aaron proudly performed the Kiddush and Hamotzi. The weekly lesson from Hagit began with a reminder that Passover will begin at sundown on Saturday, March 27th. Passover is a festival of freedom and it commemorates the Israelites exodus from Egypt and their transition from […]

JSDD residents and guest welcomed the Sabbath by joyfully greeting each other saying “Shabbat Shalom!” This Friday night Yael ushered in Shabbat by lighting two white Sabbath candles and reciting the prayer.  Aaron preceded with the reciting the Kiddush – blessing over grape juice and Daniel said the Hamotzi – blessing over the Challah. This week’s lesson taught by Hagit Oren, Judaic Coordinator, reflected on the past week’s celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2021.  This day highlights the mission to help forge a gender equal world.  Hagit showed a video about Ruth Bader Ginsburg, former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, followed by a discussion of her accomplishments.  Several residents said they are […]

On the last day of each week, Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, is observed.  Jews everywhere pause from their ordinary routine and greet the observance rich in tradition. With the guidance of Hagit Oren, JSDD Judaic Coordinator, JSDD residents and invited guests gather weekly via Zoom and welcome Shabbat. The candle-lighting blessing – Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who has sanctified us with commandments and commanded us to light Shabbat candles, was recited beautifully by Stacy.  Daniel proudly recited the Kiddush blessing over the grape juice/wine and then the Hamotzi blessing over the bread. Hagit spoke about the holiday of Purim which is a festive day of merrymaking and it is common to dress up in […]