JSDD

Shabbat, like many important facets of Judaism, has its origins in the Torah.  It is celebrated with a festive meal and ceremonies.  JSDD’s Judaic Coordinator, Hagit Oren continues to bring these ceremonies to life each week for our residents and guests with a Zoom Friday afternoon get-together. The lighting of candles as sunset approaches on Friday is the traditional sign of the arrival of Shabbat.  Yael had the honor to light the candles, covered her eyes and recited the blessing in Hebrew.  The English translation is; Blessed are You G-d, Ruler of the universe, who sanctified us with the commandment of lighting the candles.  Adam and Mark together recited the Kiddush (blessing over grape juice/wine) followed by the Hamotzi (blessing […]

The December 22 edition of The Jewish Standard reports on the wonderful Open Door Minyan program hosted by Adath Shalom synagogue, Morris Plains, and attended by JSDD residents.

One constant theme in the Shabbat observance is the importance of home life with family members and guests. JSDD’s Judaic Coordinator, Hagit Oren, creates a spiritual experience each week with the illumination of a candle-lighting ceremony and this week the honor was given to Yael to recite the blessing.  Followed by the Kiddush with the blessing over the wine/grape juice by Mark.  Hagit noted that the Kiddush is not actually blessing the wine; however, you are blessing what the wine represents – holiness.  Adam made the Hamotzi (blessing over challah) while touching the bread. When asked the question “What was the best part of their week?”, the group communicated they all loved celebrating the 8 nights of Hanukkah via Zoom […]

The ritual to light the Hanukkah candles is taking place in all JSDD’s homes nightly lead by Hagit Oren, Judaic Coordinator via Zoom. This year the third night of Hanukkah was also the ritual of Havdalah, a Jewish ceremony that marks the symbolic end of the Sabbath and ushers in the new week.  The ritual involves lighting a special Havdalah candle with several wicks, blessing a cup of wine and smelling sweet spices, while singing joyful songs. Hagit shared videos for all to learn about the ceremony of Havdalah where we relinquish the extra soul received on Shabbat.  We wish for a good week, a week of peace, and joy. Daniel was excited to learn the custom and said, “this […]

Zoom Shabbat Celebration – Friday, December 4, 2020 It is customary to exchange special greetings on Sabbath such as “Shabbat Shalom” which means “Have a peaceful Sabbath.” JSDD’s residents and friends who gather via Zoom this week were eager to express their welcome and see their friend’s cheerful faces. The lighting of candles ushers in Shabbat, and Rachel was asked to perform this tradition.  It is Jewish custom to light at least two candles, representing the two passages in the Torah which command us to keep Shabbat. Stacy recited the brachah (blessing) over wine/grape juice with the Hebrew words “…borei p’re hagafen,” which refers to the “fruit of the vine”.  The group together then made the HaMotzi,(blessing) over the challah. […]