Dear friends,
I know I say this every year but this year it is even more true—Purim at the Jewish Home Family is amazing! Yesterday was joyous and creative and fun on both campuses. At Jewish Home Assisted Living, staff and residents alike were in costume and a festive costume parade was held in the afternoon. At the Jewish Home at Rockleigh, our annual decorating competition went to even higher levels. Staff come together and use incredible creativity to transform their units and departments. This year we had a Safari theme on Kaplen 2, complete with “animals” and a safari tour guide. The Kaplen 1 unit was a wonderful journey to Hawaii and even the medication carts were decorated to look like tiki bars! The Rubin unit went Western with a “saloon” and a “jail” and staff and residents decked out in cowboy attire. And Seiden became Disneyland complete with music, costumes and more. The Gallen Day Center transformed itself into “Candyland” and our Jewish Home@Home team had a great theme based on the film “The Breakfast Club.” There was also a costume parade on the Rockleigh campus. It was a great day for all. Of course, we had Megillah readings in the morning in both locations and staff and residents enjoyed the spirit of the holiday. (click here for photos)
Other events at Jewish Home Assisted Living this week included a corned beef and cabbage dinner on Sunday and a discussion on Jewish and Irish celebrations led by Rabbi Korenblit. On Monday, mashgiach Avi Feld led the residents in making “sushitaschen” or hamantaschen in the form of sushi. Sounds crazy? Well, it turned out to be a huge (and beautiful and delicious!) hit all around. Staff and residents also packed Mishloach Manot bags for Purim which were distributed to residents, family members, visitors and Rock Steady Boxing participants on Purim. On Tuesday we welcomed the beginning of spring by planting gladiolas with Paula. We also continued our “celebration of women” as Gina led a discussion on Joan Rivers, followed by watching a Joan Rivers special together. The knitting club also met on Tuesday and Linking Hearts volunteers came in to help residents with more hamataschen baking! On Wednesday our Memory Lane residents also planted gladiolas and had the monthly birthday party. Friday’s highlight was a visit from Professor Ian Drake whose provocative topic was “Should Marijuana Be Legal in New Jersey?”
The Gallen celebrated a “spring fling” week this week and made it extra special with musical entertainment every day. On Monday, we had music with Frank Motorola and in the afternoon continued our “buddy program,” designed to break down barriers and connect people in new ways. Participants are matched with folks with different ability levels and it’s a chance for everyone to learn from one another. On Tuesday, Mark Wright provided the music and we also had boxing and Tai Chi as a part of our specialized Parkinson’s program. Wednesday’s musical feature was the Exodus Supreme reggae band who were the hit of our “spring fling” party and in the afternoon we came together for a Reiki healing circle. On Friday Rabbi Feld spent time telling participants about his most recent trip to Israel and we had Carole Brill entertain us with some delightful music.
Jewish Home at Rockleigh residents also had a very full week. We began on Sunday with two different groups of volunteers bringing Mishloach Manot gifts to our residents. The children who visited were all dressed in Purim costumes and the residents loved visiting with them and listening to them sing songs. Families went from room to room visiting and spreading cheer. Our Sunday Afternoon of Music featured a “Wearing of the Green” celebration. We had traditional Irish music and everyone was decked out in green finery. The Irish theme continued on Monday with a Women’s Club outing to Biddy O’Malley’s. On Tuesday we had a visit from Ma’ayanot Yeshivah. The girls entertained with a variety of songs and everyone clapped and sang along. Friday’s highlights were Art of the Masters as well as an educational discussion on folklore and fables as well as our monthly birthday party.
Some of our management team had the opportunity to participate in the national LeadingAge Leadership Summit in Washington, DC this week. We participated in some great educational sessions and I had an opportunity, as chair of the Public Policy committee, to address the entire group and talk about our policy priorities. This conference also features a lobbying day each year and we visited Capitol Hill and had some great conversations with staff in our legislator’s offices.
These opportunities are so meaningful for us and we are delighted that LeadingAge organizes these visits for us every year.
All the best,
Carol Silver Elliott
President/CEO
The Jewish Home Family
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Volunteer Opportunity of the Week
Do you enjoy straightening things up and organizing? Then we have the perfect volunteer opportunity for you! We are looking for a volunteer to come in once-a-week to organize the books in the library at the Jewish Home at Rockleigh.
Flexible hours!
For more info or to sign up, contact Director of Volunteers Stacey Orden at sorden@jewishhomefamily.org or 201-518-1175
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Jewish Federation’s March Mega Food drive is in full swing. Please bring a can of food next time you visit the Jewish Home at Rockleigh or Jewish Home Assisted Living in River Vale. Food bins are set up for your donation. We are collecting to benefit area food pantries. All are invited to help pack and sort collected food at Jewish Federation on Sunday, March 31st from 1-3. www.jfnnj.org/marchmitzvahmadness
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10 Link Drive Rockleigh, NJ 07647 | 685 Westwood Ave. River Vale, NJ 07675