Plaza Press OCTOBER Rosh Hashanah. Celebrating October. Rosh Hashanah October 03. Columbus Day (U.S.) October 10. Yom Kippur October 12

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1 OCTOBER 2016 Plaza Press The Newsletter for Jewish Federation Plaza Rosh Hashanah Celebrating October Rosh Hashanah October 03 Columbus Day (U.S.) October 10 Yom Kippur October 12 Sukkot October 17 Shemini Atzeret, Yizkor October 24 Simchat Torah October 25 International Skeptics Day October 13 World Pasta Day October 25 Halloween October 31 Rosh Hashanah occurs on the first and second days of Tishri. In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, "head of the year" or "first of the year." Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. This is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year. More on this concept at Days of Awe. The name "Rosh Hashanah" is not used in the Bible to discuss this holiday. The Bible refers to the holiday as Yom Ha-Zikkaron (the day of remembrance) or Yom Teruah (the day of the sounding of the shofar). The holiday is instituted in Leviticus 23: The shofar is a ram's horn which is blown somewhat like a trumpet. One of the most important observances of this holiday is hearing the sounding of the shofar in the synagogue. A total of 100 notes are sounded each day. There are four different types of shofar notes: tekiah, a 3 second sustained note; shevarim, three 1-second notes rising in tone, teruah, a series of short, staccato notes extending over a period of about 3 seconds; and tekiah gedolah. The Bible gives no specific reason for this practice. One that has been suggested is that the shofar's sound is a call to repentance. The shofar is not blown if the holiday falls on Shabbat. No work is permitted on Rosh Hashanah. Much of the day is spent in synagogue, where the regular daily liturgy is somewhat expanded. In fact, there is a special prayerbook called the machzor used for Rosh Hashanah and You Kippur because of the extensive liturgical changes for these holidays. (continued on pg 2)

2 Rosh Hashanah (continued from pg 1) A popular observance during this holiday is eating apples dipped in honey, a symbol of our wish for a sweet new year. We also dip bread in honey (instead of the usual practice of sprinkling salt on it) at this time of year for the same reason. Another popular practice of the holiday is Tashlikh ("casting off"). We walk to flowing water, such as a creek or river, on the afternoon of the first day and empty our pockets into the river, symbolically casting off our sins. Small pieces of bread are commonly put in the pocket to cast off. This practice is not discussed in the Bible, but is a long-standing custom. Tashlikh is normally observed on the afternoon of the first day, before afternoon services. When the first day occurs on Shabbat, many synagogues observe Tashlikh on Sunday afternoon, to avoid carrying (the bread) on Shabbat. Religious services for the holiday focus on the concept of G-d s sovereignty. The common greeting at this time is L'shanah tovah ("for a good year"). This is a shortening of "L'shanah tovah tikatev v'taihatem" (or to women, "L'shanah tovah tikatevi v'taihatemi"), which means "May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year." You may notice that the Bible speaks of Rosh Hashanah as occurring on the first day of the seventh month. The first month of the Jewish calendar is Nissan, occurring in March and April. Why, then, does the Jewish "new year" occur in Tishri, the seventh month? Judaism has several different "new years," a concept which may seem strange at first, but think of it this way: the American "new year" starts in January, but the new "school year" starts in September, and many businesses have "fiscal years" that start at various times of the year. In Judaism, Nissan 1 is the new year for the purpose of counting the reign of kings and months on the calendar, Elul 1 (in August) is the new year for the tithing of animals, Shevat 15 (in February) is the new year for trees (determining when first fruits can be eaten, etc.), and Tishri 1 (Rosh Hashanah) is the new year for years (when we increase the year number. Sabbatical and Jubilee years begin at this time). Wishing all Residents A Happy, Healthy and Sweet New Year

3 Yom Kippur Yom Kippur is probably the most important holiday of the Jewish year. Many who do not observe any other Jewish custom will refrain from work, fast and/or attend synagogue services on this day. Yom Kippur occurs on the 10th day of Tishri. The name "Yom Kippur" means "Day of Atonement." It is a day set aside to atone for the sins of the past year. This day is, essentially, a last chance to demonstrate your repentance and make amends. Yom Kippur atones only for sins between man and G-d, not for sins against another person. To atone for sins against another person, you must first seek reconciliation with that person, righting the wrongs you committed against them if possible. That must all be done before Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur is a complete Sabbath; no work can be performed on that day. Participants are supposed to refrain from eating and drinking (even water) on Yom Kippur. It is a complete, 25-hour fast beginning before sunset on the evening before Yom Kippur and ending after nightfall on the day of Yom Kippur. These restrictions can be lifted where a threat to life or health is involved. Children under the age of nine and women in childbirth (from the time labor begins until three days after birth) are not permitted to fast. Older children and women from the third to the seventh day after childbirth are permitted to fast, but are permitted to break the fast if they feel the need to do so. People with other illnesses should consult a physician and a rabbi for advice. Most of the holiday is spent in the synagogue, in prayer. In Orthodox synagogues, services begin early in the morning and continue until about 3 PM. People then usually go home for an afternoon nap and return around 5 or 6 PM for the afternoon and evening services, which continue until nightfall. The services end at nightfall, with the blowing of the tekiah gedolah, a long blast on the shofar. It is customary to wear white on the holiday, which symbolizes purity and calls to mind the promise that our sins shall be made as white as snow. Some people wear a kittel, the white robe.

4 SUKKOT Sukkot, a Hebrew word meaning "booths" or "huts", refers to the Jewish festival of giving thanks for the fall harvest, as well as the commemoration of the forty years of Jewish wandering in the desert after Sinai. Sukkot is celebrated five days after Yom Kippur on the 15th of Tishrei, and is marked by several distinct traditions. One tradition, which takes the commandment to "dwell in booths" literally, is to build a sukkah which means "covering" or "shelter." These huts are constructed as temporary shelters. The roof is covered with foliage, which is spaced to let in the light. Fruits and vegetables, including apples, grapes, corn, and pomegranates, are hung inside the hut. The families eat their meals in the huts under the evening sky. In Israel, where it does not usually rain during this season, families observe Sukkot by eating and sleeping in the sukkah for seven days. SHEMINI ATZERET & SIMCHAT TORAH Shemini Atzeret is the final day of festivities at the end of Sukkot. It is followed by Simchat Torah, the holiday that marks the conclusion of the annual reading of the Torah and its beginning again--amid dancing, song, and celebration.

5 October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month This October, JCHC is proud to participate in National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point. The good news is that many women can survive breast cancer if it s found and treated early. If you are a woman age 40 to 49, talk with your doctor about when to start getting mammograms and how often to get them. If you are a woman age 50 to 74, be sure to get a mammogram every 2 years. You may also choose to get them more often. Talk to a doctor about your risk for breast cancer, especially if a close family member of yours had breast or ovarian cancer. Your doctor can help you decide when and how often to get mammograms. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a chance to raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Make a difference! Spread the word about mammograms and encourage communities, organizations, families, and individuals to get involved. How can National Breast Cancer Awareness Month make a difference? We can all use this opportunity to spread the word about steps women can take to detect breast cancer early.

6 Manager s Corner If you need the Social Worker Jeanne Burstein she is available Tuesdays in the library from 9am to 5pm. The Social Work student Carol Berman is available Fridays from 9am to 4pm. Reminders High Holidays are here at Jewish Federation Plaza!! There are a lot of wonderful traditions and services scheduled. Please refer to your High Holy Days booklet for all dates and times. Any one that comes into the building must sign in at security. This is for everyone s safety. Rents are due by the 5th of every month. There have been some changes, so if you have any questions about the amount(s) you are supposed to pay, please contact Tips for Keeping Warm in Cold Weather Having curtains on your windows insulate against the cold weather. Use extra blankets when necessary. Layer your clothing for warmth. Eat nutritious foods and exercise moderately; proper diet and physical conditioning help protect you against abnormal heat and cold. Get proper rest; fatigue makes you more vulnerable to subnormal heat and cold. Drink adequate amounts of liquids, such as water. Hot drinks such as tea and hot chocolate will help warm you and taste great! Inclement weather can mean difficulty going out for necessary supplies. Be prepared! Stock up on food, bottled water, canned food, granola bars, cereal and other packaged foods. Keep batteries, flashlights, extra blankets and a battery-operated radio on hand. Ann Marie Bass-Site Manager

7 Upcoming Events HAPPY OCTOBER BIRTHDAY High Holy Day Services Life Long Learning Promote the Vote Walmart & Rt 22 Shopping Music with Paul JCHC University at Lester: You Know More Yiddish than You Think Essex Green Meditation & Relaxation Choral Group Begins BINGO Breathing & Meditation with Preeti Exercise with Tami Our Stories Movies Creative Art with Joan Trader Joe s Short Story Group featuring Pearl Kaufman JCHC University at B nai Brith: Maine-The Lighthouse State Note: Please refer to High Holy Day Booklet for dates and times of all High Holy Day Oct 1 Oct 2 Oct 2 Oct 8 Oct 9 Oct 10 Oct 11 Oct 14 Oct 14 Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 25 Oct 26 Oct 29 Minoo Sobhani Stuart Block Marilyn Kartzman Gertrude Freeman Marion Brod Magda Feig Myra Jast Izrail Gorohovskiy Jacqueline Kaufman May Berenson Gary Weisbrot Pearl Berkowitz Clara Beckerman Ethel Gilman CHORAL GROUP BEGINS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19 TH 1:30 P.M. If you like to sing, you are cordially invited to join the JCHC Choral Group. The group meets each Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.

8 PROMOTE THE VOTE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, :00 P.M. TO 4:00 P.M. 4 th Floor Promenade Your Right to Vote On Tuesday, November 8th, we will be having not only a Presidential Election, but 2 issues to be decided and local elections. In order to make sure you have done everything you need to exercise your right and responsibility to vote, we are having volunteers on: Thursday, October 6th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 4 th Floor Promenade They will help with the following: 1. Register those who have never registered before 2. Help those who have moved within the past month or after the last time they voted

9 West Orange Health Department Flu Clinic Wednesday, October 19 th 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Recreation Room Residents on Medicare must bring their Medicare cards. All other residents are required to pay a $25.00 fee for the flu shot. The shots will be given by number. Please stop at the Concierge Desk to get a number prior to going to the recreation room for your shot. Photo: Cholesterol: The Highs and Lows was presented by Barnabas Health representatives.

10 JCHC University Nutritionist, and Plaza resident, Roberta Atti presented a lively JCHC University course entitled, Healing with Herbs and Spices. All in attendance enjoyed learning about the health benefits offered by these tiny nutritional powerhouses which can often be found in our very own kitchens. All are invited to attend Breathing and Meditation with Preeti. The class takes place on the Promenade Wednesday s at 3:00 p.m.

11 A Happy Birthday Wish Happy Birthday Get Well Wishes Millie Podnos Esther & Ed Schwartz Rhoda Morris Dolores Lederman Elaine Botterman Elaine Botterman Esther & Ed Schwartz Carole Golden Rhoda Morris Marlene Mankoff Rhoda Morris Helen Mandel Ilse Frank Elaine Botterman Dolores Lederman Rachelle Chriss Marion Brod Marlene Hyatt Sarah Levitt Sophie Lubka Renee Fisher Elaine Botterman Dottie Kleinert Carole Golden Linda Israel Ethel Kendler Esther & Ed Schwartz Norma Tooter Dolores Lederman Marlene Hyatt Rhoda Morris Mae Berenson Malene Mankoff Shirley Cruset Miriam Lateiner Sophie Lubka Dolores Lederman

12 Get Well Wishes Mazel Tov Condolence Sandye Garrison Esther & Ed Schwartz Rhoda Morris Sophie Lubka Clara Beckerman & Aggie Norma Tooter Dottie Kleinert Shirley Cruset Dolores Lederman Rachelle Chriss Linda Israel Marlene Mankoff Millie Podnos Wanda Robinson Irene Goldberg Joan Bender Mae Berenson Ilse Frank Elaine Botterman Esther & Ed Schwartz on the birth of their great grandson, Ryan Mason Marlene Hyatt Norma Tooter Shirley Cruset Ilse Frank Helen Mandel Millie Podnos Dolores Lederman Elaine Botterman Marlene Mankoff Amy Miller in memory of her mother Marlene Hyatt Gert Freeman in memory of your good friend Lynn Norma Tooter Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Miller in memory of your sister Marilyn Freeman Gert Freeman & Family The Miller Family in memory of Aunt Marilyn Freeman Gert Freeman & Family

13 Condolence Thank You Gaudy by Design Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Schecter & Family Gert Freeman & Family Susan & Brian Schecter for the loss of mother & grandmother Gert Freeman & Family Gert Freeman on the loss of your sister-in-law and friend Clara & Aggie Amy Filler & Family on the loss of your mother, Julia Tabowitz Linda Israel Esther & Ed Schwartz Dear Friends & Neighbors Thanks to all who have acknowledged (in anyway) the birth of our great grandson, Ryan Mason. Library Donations George Aptecker Alice Atkins ShirleyCruset Ronald Rames Ed Schwartz Norma Tooter Florence Widelitz Delve deep into your closet and find something gaudy to wear on October 17, Wear Something Gaudy Day. Gaudy typically refers to clothing or accessories that are flashy, ostentatious, and unfashionable. But even fashion experts wonder, Is gaudy ever good? Sometimes wearing a little bit of flash makes you feel fabulous. As Shelly Adams, owner of the A Little Bit Gaudy boutique, says gaudy is just fashion with attitude. Fashion experts assert that clothes often reflect how we feel about ourselves and can even boost our moods to make us feel better, smarter, and more empowered. So, if your style is one with a bit of flash and pizzazz, then perhaps that s just a reflection of your confidence and selfassuredness

14 OCTOBER 2016 PLAZA Calendar is subject to change Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Program Location Code 1. Recreation Room 2. Promenade 3. Dining Room Note: Location is subject to change 2 11:00 BRUNCH 3 2:00 MOVIE :00 BRUNCH 3 2:00 MOVIE :00 BRUNCH 3 2:00 MOVIE 1 3 Rosh Hashanah Office Closed Dining Room Open 10 Columbus Day 10:15 TOWN BUS 11:30 TAI CHI 2 1:00 JCHC You Know More Yiddish than You Think 6:00 LIBRARY 2 7:00 Life-Long Learning 1 7:00 BINGO 3 17 Sukkot Office Closed Dining Room Open 4 Rosh Hashanah Office Closed Dining Room Open 11 Yom Kippur Office Closed 1:00 pm Dining Room Open 18 Sukkot Office Closed Dining Room Open 5 11:00 Move Today & Walking Club 2 12:15 Life-Long Learning 3 7:00 BINGO 3 12 Yom Kippur Office Closed Dining Room Open 19 Sukkot 10:00 Flu Clinic-1 11:00 Move Today & Walking Club 2 1:30 CHORAL GROUP 1 3:00 Breathing & Meditation with Preeti-2 7:00 BINGO :15 Walmart & Rt 22 Shopping 11:00 Exercise 2 2:00-4:00 Promote the Vote-2 Plaza Men s Club Cancelled Today 7:00 Music with Paul :45 Essex Green 11:00 Exercise 2 6:30 Meditation & Relaxation 1 20 Sukkot 10:15 Chester, NJ 11:00 Exercise 2 2:00 Our Stories 7:00 Music with Paul 1 7 9:00 10:00 1:00 ONEG SHABBAT :00 10:00 1:00 ONEG SHABBAT 3 21 Sukkot 9:00 10:00 1:00 ONEG SHABBAT 3 19:00 SHABBAT SERVICE 1 11:00 KIDDUSH 3 7:00 MOVIE 1 8 9:00 SHABBAT SERVICE 1 11:00 KIDDUSH 3 7:00 MOVIE :00 SHABBAT SERVICE 1 11:00 KIDDUSH 3 7:00 MOVIE 1 22 Sukkot 9:00 SHABBAT SERVICE 1 11:00 KIDDUSH 3 7:00 MOVIE 1 23 Sukkot 11:00 BRUNCH 3 2:00 MOVIE 1 Gamefest after Movie 2 24 Shemini Atzeret, Yizkor Office Closed Dining Room Open 25 Simchat Torah Office Closed Dining Room Open 26 11:00 Move Today & Walking Club 2 12:15 Life-Long Learning 3 1:30 CHORAL GROUP 1 3:00 Breathing & Meditation with Preeti-2 7:00 BINGO 3 6:45 Creative Arts with Joan :45 Trader Joe s Florham Park 11:00 Exercise 2 2:00 Short Story Group featuring Pearl Kaufman 1 6:30 Meditation & Relaxation :00 10:00 1:00 ONEG SHABBAT :00 SHABBAT SERVICE 1 11:00 KIDDUSH 3 7:00 MOVIE :15 TOWN BUS 11:30 TAI CHI 2 1:15 JCHC B nai: Maine the Lighthouse State 6:00 LIBRARY 2 7:00 Life-Long Learning 1 7:00 BINGO 3 Note: See High Holy Day Brochure for dates & times of all High Holy Day Events