JSDD

A virtual Sukkot Program was presented to JSDD residents and invited guests thanks to our innovative partners at The Friendship Circle.  JSDD’s Judaic Coordinator, Hagit, distributed special kits chock-full of supplies needed to take the class provided by The Friendship Circle. Participants watched an educational video and learnt about Simchat Torah, the holiday that celebrates and marks the conclusion of the annual cycle of Torah readings and the beginning of a new cycle.  Eagerly working together while watching the instructor on Zoom, everyone was occupied in activities that were educational and artistic.  Participants created an edible craft by decorating a cookie and then continued to be entertained playing the game of chance Bingo.  We are grateful for the collaborations with […]

This holiday of Sukkot is all about giving thanks for the autumn harvest and commemorating the 40 years Israelites spent wandering the desert after leaving slavery in Egypt. It lasts for eight days, ending with Shemini Atzeret and Simchas Torah.  This year, the first night of the holiday coincided with the Sabbath.     Judaic Coordinator, Hagit, and the residents and guests welcomed the Sabbath and holiday, as always, with the lighting of the candles, followed by the Kiddush over the wine (grape juice) and the Hamotzi  (blessing for the bread). The tradition of building a sukkah, a temporary hut to dwell in during the holiday, was celebrated.  The holiday customs include a lulav (palm frond or willow twigs) and etrog […]

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 […]

  West Orange, NJ – Marilynn Schneider, Director of Jewish Service for the Developmentally Disabled’s (JSDD) WAE Center, announced her retirement at the end of June after over 20 years of service. Under Marilynn’s leadership, the WAE (Wellness, Arts, Enrichment) Center has become known throughout the community and the State of NJ as a premier model program for engaging men and women with developmental disabilities in continuing education and creative endeavors with respectful appreciation for their ability and talent.  Marilynn began her affiliation with JSDD as Chaplain, then moved on to become Director of Residential Services. She served as Director of the WAE Center for the past 16 years. As a staunch advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities, Marilynn focused […]

Rituals provide comfort and structure.  They are often the thing we hold onto during challenging times.  Observing the Sabbath is one of those rituals we can count on to show up every Friday night and continue into Saturday. Our residential community continues to anticipate coming together each week to welcome Shabbat on Fridays.  August 21th was no different as Hagit, JSDD’s Judaic Coordinator, gathered everyone via Zoom to participate in some traditional melodies and recite the blessings for lighting Shabbat Candles, the Kiddush and Hamotzi (Challah).  The residents were eager to share how much they enjoyed the baking class this week and what a treat it was to have fresh banana bread.  Hagit began to discuss the upcoming Rosh Hashanah […]