Sixth graders from Yavneh Academy came to the Jewish Home at Rockleigh on Thursday, March 13, 2014 to decorate the social hall for the Purim holiday and do an arts and crafts project with residents. After decorating, they enjoyed hamantaschen along with various juices. Rabbi Simon Feld, director of rabbinic services at JHR, noted that he was a graduate of Yavneh as well as having three grandchildren who attend the school.
On Sunday, March 16, 8th graders from the Yavneh Academy took turns reading the Megillat, with residents and family members filling JHR’s chapel. The service was led by Rabbi Feld. Some of the visitors, especially the children, dressed up in costumes for the holiday. Celebrants enthusiastically interrupted the service, shaking their groggers (noisemakers) whenever Hamen was mentioned. Hamantaschen, bagels, fruit and drinks were served following the service. The program was sponsored by JHR’s Young Leadership board.
After the event, Sunni Herman, JHR’s executive vice president, said, “Despite the fact that most families have a ton of places to go on Purim morning, the kids traveled to the Home, loudly and clearly recited the words so that all could hear, and then they even stayed on to mingle and sing songs.”
The Jewish Home at Rockleigh is a non-profit, state-of-the-facility that provides long-term care, outreach programs, and outpatient services for the elderly and their families in Bergen, North Hudson, and Rockland counties. JHR and its sister facility, Jewish Home Assisted Living in River Vale, N.J.; Jewish Home Foundation and Jewish Home At Home are members of the Jewish Home Family, Inc. whose mission it is to develop and oversee the very best of care, services and advice for the elderly and their families at home and in their facilities, now and in the future, consistent with Jewish tradition and values. For further information or a photo, please call 201-784-1414.
