JSDD

The WAE Center is pleased to announce we are accepting entries for “The Art of Inclusion” – Pride virtual exhibition, which will be held June 1 to August 1, 2021. The entry deadline is April 2, 2021 and artists may submit a maximum of three works. The exhibition is open to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) Artists with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as well as LGBTQ+ Allies. We are seeking artwork that expresses authentic and diverse viewpoints from the LGBTQ+ experience. Artists are encouraged to show us what being an LGBTQ+ person with IDD or ASD means to them and express what their Pride looks like. If you do not self-identify as LGBTQ+ […]

It should come as no surprise that the tradition of observing Shabbat allows many facets to celebrate life.   It is a constant reminder being Jewish you are continually learning and growing spiritually.  JSDD continued weekly learning sessions via Zoom with Hagit Oren, Judaic Coordinator. The welcoming of the Sabbath began this week with the lighting of the candles by Rachel and Stacy, followed by Daniel who recited the Kiddush – blessing over grape juice/wine and the Hamotzi – blessing for the bread. Hagit and the group chanted the song “May It Be” in Hebrew which inspired many of the participants to express their wish for world peace.  The weekly learning continued with a discussion about the upcoming joyous holiday of […]

The celebration of Shabbat is essential to Jewish tradition.   Residents of JSDD’s homes and friends certainly miss greeting each other in person, but the silver lining of this past year is that participation in the weekly ritual of greeting of the Sabbath on Zoom, organized by Hagit Oren, Judaic Coordinator, is more robust than ever. Lighting Shabbat candles is one of the oldest Jewish traditions and one of the most beautiful.  This week Rachel and Stacy joined together to light the candles and recite the prayer.  The Kiddush (blessing over the wine/grape juice) was recited by Kevin.  All the participants recited the HaMotzi (blessing over the bread). Hagit’s lesson this Shabbat was Parshat Beshalach – Moses leads the Israelites into […]

Shabbat Celebration via Zoom – Friday, January 22, 2021 JSDD residents continue to be hungry for the connection with friends during the weekly spiritual and moving zoom Sabbath experience with Hagit.  Engaging in Shabbat rituals is comforting and lifts their spirts.  The regular Friday night tradition to welcome Shabbat began, as always, with the blessing over the candles and Yael had the privilege this week.  The Kiddush was given by Kevin and the entire group came together blessing the bread and reciting the HaMotzi. Hagit taught the Parashat of the week “Bo”.  G-d brings the final three plagues on the Egyptians; the Israelites leave Egypt and receive the commandment to observe Passover.  Hagit said this lets you know that G-d […]

Each Shabbat Hagit Oren, JSDD’s Judaic Coordinator has the opportunity to share a Shabbat story with our residents and invited guests.  It is a favorite time of the week for all participants as they gather, through Zoom, and continue learning.  One of the joys of Shabbat is the appearance and decor of the beautiful table upon which meals are served.  Yael showed how she creatively prepared her home’s dining room table and added a splash of color with flowers as the centerpiece.   She then performed the most beautiful tradition the lighting of the Sabbath candles.  The blessing recited over wine/grape juice Kiddush was given by Daniel, and he followed with the HaMotzi (blessing over the bread). Hagit taught the week’s […]