Plaza Press The Newsletter For Jewish Federation Plaza April 2012 Celebrating April Humor Month Card and Letter Writing Month Stress Awareness Month Passover Begins April 6 Easter Sunday April 8 International Moment of Laughter Day April 14 Coin Week April 15-21 Yom HaShoah April 19 Yom Ha Atzma ut April 26 International Dance Day April 29 Passover April is the month that Passover is celebrated. Passover is probably the best known of the Jewish holidays. Passover begins on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Nissan. It is the first of the three major festivals with both historical and agricultural significance (the other two are Shavu ot and Sukkot). The primary observances of Passover are related to the Exodus from Egypt after 400 years of slavery. This story is told in Exodus Chapters 1-15. The name Passover refers to the fact that G-d passed over the houses of the Jews when he was slaying the firstborn of Egypt. In Hebrew, it is known as Pesach which is based on the Hebrew root meaning pass over. The holiday is also referred to as Chag he-aviv (the Spring Festival), Chag ha-matzoth (the Festival of Matzahs), and Zeman Herutenu (the Time of Our Freedom). The most significant observance related to Passover involves the removal of chametz) from homes. This commemorates the fact that the Jews leaving Egypt were in a hurry, and did not have time to let their bread rise. It is also a symbolic way of removing arrogance, and pride). Chametz includes anything made from the five major grains (wheat, rye, barley, oats and spelt) that has not been completely cooked within 18 minutes after coming into contact with water. Traditional Jews of Ashkenazic background also avoid rice, corn, peanuts, and legumes (beans) as if they were chametz. All of these items have been used to make bread, thus use of them was prohibited to avoid any confusion. Such additional items are referred to as kitniyos. We may not eat chametz during Passover; We may not even own it or derive benefit from it. All chametz, including utensils used to cook it must either be disposed of or sold to a non-jew.
April 2012 Passover continued from page 1 The process of cleaning the home of all chametz in preparation for Passover is an enormous task. After the cleaning is completed, the morning before the seder, a formal search of the house for chametz is undertaken, and remaining chametz is burned. The grain product eaten during Passover is matzah unleavened bread, made from flour and water and cooked very quickly. This is the bread that the Jews made for their flight from Egypt. The day before Passover is the fast of the firstborn, a minor fast for all firstborn males, commemorating the fact that the firstborn Jewish males in Egypt were not killed during the final plague. On the first night of Passover (first two nights for traditional Jews outside Israel), we have a very special family meal filled with ritual to remind us of the significance of the holiday. This meal is called a seder, from a Hebrew root word meaning order. Passover lasts for seven days (eight days outside of Israel). The first and last days of the holiday (first two and last two outside of Israel) are days on which no work is permitted. Work is permitted on the intermediate days. These intermediate days on which work is permitted are referred to as Chol Ha-Mo ed, as are the intermediate days of Sukkot. The Red Hatters It is a sisterhood of over 40,000 chapters and countless members. It is a society of mature women who embrace life with fun, freedom, fearlessness, friendship, fitness, purple dresses, and red hats. In 1997, an artist named Sue Ellen Cooper gave her friend a red hat on her 55 birthday, along with a verse from Jenny Joseph s poem Warning. The verse read: When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple, with a red hat that doesn t go and doesn t suit me. Cooper repeated the gift to many of her friends, and then on April 25, 1998, they all arrived at a tea party wearing purple dresses and red hats. The Red Hat Society was born. The society has grown into much more than a club. It is a worldwide women s movement. Members are committed to supporting each other through good times and bad. Most importantly, these Red Hatters are dedicated to the fulfillment of their lifelong dreams. Easy Being Green In 1970, the loudest protests of the day sought an end to the Vietnam War. But another quieter protest began that gave birth to a worldwide movement. April 22, 1970, marked the first Earth Day, a day to take action in conserving the planet s natural resources. Twenty million people took to the streets on behalf of Mother Earth. There are many easy ways to celebrate Earth Day and protect the environment. Beautify your neighborhood by participating in a local clean up. Plant a native tree or shrub. Instead of recycling, reuse a discarded object in some new and interesting way. It s our world. We can help it one little bit at a time.
By: Maryann Webber Housecalls Nurse Practitioner FALL PREVENTION Falls are quite common to people of all ages, however according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons most occur in the home to people 65 years of age and older usually during activities of everyday living. Falls and accidental injuries have significant morbidity and mortality. Hence, they are important to prevent. They may also be the red flag of illness. Falls in the community occur at a rate of 0.5 falls per person each year and are often unreported. Approximately 5% of falls result in injury, while half of those require hospitalization. The falls usually occur in bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, or stairwells. If a fall occurs on the stairs, it is usually during descent. The consequences of falls involve four components: medical, psychological, social, and functional. Medical problems include fractures which occur in 5% to 10% of fallers. The most common sites are the hip, wrist, vertebral column and the ribs. Many succumb to soft tissue injury as well. Fallers are hospitalized more and stay longer than non-fallers. Half of those hospitalized become long-term care patients. Older people have more head injuries because of diminished protective reflex. Women are 15% more likely to suffer a fracture with a fall than are men. Hip fracture is the most common injury requiring hospitalization. Over 80% of fractures occur in people more than 65 years old. More than 2 billion dollars are spent each year to care for older patients. Approximately ¼ of these fallers die within 6 months of the injury. Of those who survive, three fifths have decreased mobility, and ¼ remain functionally more dependent post hip fracture. Psychological consequences include fear, depressions, increased dependence and anxiety. Falls may also result in social withdrawal, dependency and nursing home. The following are things that you can do to prevent falls and provide personal safety habits. They include eating right and regular exercise. You should also wear proper shoes that fit well. Limit alcohol, get sufficient sleep, and stop smoking. You are also urged to take medications properly and report any adverse effects of medications. Home safety tips include using handrails in the bathroom. Good lighting is essential. Floors should be kept in good repair and should not be slippery. Pathways should be uncluttered and clear. No throw rugs. Outside safety tips include being cognizant of bad weather. Plan ahead to avoid rushing. Remain alert. Avoid hazards such as uneven sidewalks. GOOD HEALTH AND SAFETY TO ALL! Maryann Webber Nurse Practioner, is available to serve residents of Plaza on Thursdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. You may call (973) 294-6560 to schedule an appointment.
Photos: Left: Finding Serenity with Karen Frank. Right: JCHC University speaker: Luis Schuchinski Top Left: Sandye Garrison, Movie Making in NYC. All Other Photos: 2012 Purim Luncheon Upcoming April Events: *JCC Passover Seder *Schmoozing w Shaina *Move Today *Walking Club *Passover Seder *Branch Brook Park Cherry Blossoms *Live music with Francine Evans & Joel Zelnik *Passover Services *Shabbat/Passover & Yizkor Services * Essex County Photo ID Card Photo * Yom HaShoah Service with Rabbi Polansky * Hirschhorn: Faye Fishman Harp Program * Tenants Assoc Meeting *UJC Concert sponsored by JCC *Chat with Maryann *Current Events in Israel with Eli Feller *Exodus Movie *Reminiscing with Marnie, and much more. Be sure to check your calendar for dates and times of all events.
In the Neighborhood By Sandye Garrison I hope you are all enjoying our new programming and delicious desserts. We will meet on April 26th at 8:00 p.m. in the Recreation Room where Terrence Roselle will review the safety measures he has put in place. This is a very important meeting because your individual safety depends upon it. PLEASE MEET A LOVELY MEMBER OF OUR COMMUNITY MARY CASTRO Originally from Uruguay in South America she has added some drama and spice to our surroundings. Mary lived in Salt lake City, Utah for a while before becoming a New Jersey resident. She is the mother of two sons and grandmother of two children. While living in Uruguay she practiced hair design. She opened her own cleaning service while living here in New Jersey. Mary is a terrific dancer. Did you see her tango at the New Year s brunch? Mary takes Zumba lessons and loves people. When she isn t doing all of these things or playing cards, she does dressmaking and alterations. So, if you need a hem done, call her.
If you have not been able to guess who our Mystery Person has been, Here are the past three terrific people: 1st: Susie Fine 2nd: Helen Berko 3rd: Nate Rubin. DO YOU KNOW WHO THIS IS? She is a constant resource for current news and world affairs. She enjoys the outdoors, loves to cook. She is an accomplished painter and sculptress.
A Happy Birthday Wish Sandye Garrison Ilse Frank Rachelle Chriss Dolores Lederman Evelyne Savel Millie & Joe Podnos Batia Horn Ann Hinkes Eleanore Berkowitz Marsha Sonet Esther Torres Renee Levy Esther Torres Dolores Lederman Florence Glovin Sarah Moskowitz Kenny Candiano Sophia Gottlieb Eleanore Berkowitz Dolores Lederman Ann Hinkes Esther Torres Sophia Gottlieb Dolores Lederman Helen Mandel Ethel Solomon Get Well Wishes Sylvia Aronson Eleanore Berkowitz Shirley Ackerman Rose Axelrod Welcome Home Sylvia Yourish Renee Levy Mazel Tov The Saracusa Family on the birth of a baby girl Pearl Berkowitz The Foley Family on the birth of a baby girl Pearl Berkowitz Sarah Levitt in honor of grandson's wedding Sophie Lubka
Donation HAPPY APRIL BIRTHDAY Pearl Schiff in honor of birth of great grandson born 2/7/12, Joshua Zachary Hebrew name: Shimon Fredel Condolence Barry Barber & Family in memory of wife, Susan Marlene Hyatt Louise Sandler & Family in memory of mother Marlene Hyatt Melvin Goldberg in memory of brother Cary Goldberg Marlene Mankoff Olga Pivnik 4/05 Arline Gordon 4/10 Joann Guarino 4/10 Donald Rubenoff 4/11 Carol Schneider 4/16 Mollie Nathan 4/20 Cywa Wajner 4/22 Louis Kim 4/27 Robert Kraut 4/30 UJC Concert AT NJ PAC Sunday, April 22, 2012 Featuring: Yefim Bronfman,Solo Pianist Tickets for JCHC Residents are $10.00 Sign up for ticket and transportation at the JCC. Note: JCC Will Provide Transportation for This Event
JEWISH FEDERATION PLAZA PASSOVER SCHEDULE Fri April 6 Passover Begins At Sundown 6:00 1 st Seder With Rabbi Levy Office Closed Sat April 7 Passover Day 1 9:00 Shabbat/Passover Service 11:00 Kiddush 7:30 2 nd Seder With Rabbi Levy Sun April 8 9:00 am Passover Services Fri April 13 9:00 am Passover Services Office Closed Dining Room Open Sat April 14 9:00 Shabbat/Passover Service 10:00 Yizkor Service 11:00 Kiddush
April 2012 PLAZA Calendar is subject to change Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 11:00 BRUNCH 2:00 MOVIE 8 Passover Day 2 9am Passover Services 15 Easter Sunday 2:00 MOVIE 2 TBA JCC Passover Seder 10:00 Schmoozing w Shaina 10:15 TOWN BUS 11:00 TAI CHI 7:45 BINGO 9 Passover Day 3 10:00 Schmoozing w Shaina TBA Branch Brook Park Cherry Blossoms 10:15 TOWN BUS 11:00 TAI CHI 2:00 Move Today 7:45 BINGO 16 10:00 Schmoozing w Shaina 10:15 TOWN BUS 11:00 TAI CHI 2:00 Move Today 7:45 BINGO 3 2:00 PM CURRENT EVENTS 6:00 PM LIBRARY 10 Passover Day 4 2:00 PM CURRENT EVENTS 6:00 PM LIBRARY 17 10:30 Yom HaShoah with Rabbi Polansky 2:00 PM CURRENT EVENTS 6:00 PM LIBRARY 4 10:45 Essex Green & Kmart 11:00 Walking Club 1:30 CHORAL GROUP 11 Passover Day 5 11:45 Toby Fluek Art Exhibit @ Bnai Jeshurun 11:00 Walking Club 1:30 CHORAL GROUP 18 9:00 Essex County Photo ID Card Photo @ Plaza 11:00 Walking Club 1:30 CHORAL GROUP 5 9:00 SHOPRITE 10:00 SHOPRITE 2:00 National Parks DVD 12 Passover Day 6 9:00 SHOPRITE 10:00 SHOPRITE 2:00 Live music with Francine Evans & Joel Zelnik 19 Yom HaShoah Holocaust Rememberance Day 10:00 Walmart & Rt 22 2:00 Faye Fishman Harp Program Hirschhorn 8:00 Tenants Assoc Meeting 6 Passover begins at Sundown Office Closes 1:00 PM 6:00 1 st Seder with Rabbi Levy 13 Passover Day 7 9am Passover Services Office Closed Dining Room Open 20 9:00 SHOPRITE 10:00 SHOPRITE 1:00 ONEG SHABBAT 7 Passover Day 1 9:00 SHABBAT/PASSOVER SERVICE 11:00 AM KIDDUSH 7:30 2 ND Seder with Rabbi Levy 14 9:00 SHABBAT/PASSOVER SERVICE 10:00 Yizkor Service 11:00 KIDDUSH 21 9:00 AM SHABBAT SERVICE 11:00 AM KIDDUSH 7:00 MOVIE 22 Earth Day 11:00 BRUNCH UJC Concert presented by JCC 2:00 MOVIE 23 10:00 Schmoozing w Shaina 10:15 TOWN BUS 10:45 Trader Joes Florham Park 11:00 TAI CHI 1:00 Chat with Maryann 2:00 Move Today 7:45 BINGO 24 2:00 PM CURRENT EVENTS 6:00 PM LIBRARY 25 10:45 Rt 10 Shopping 11:00 Walking Club 1:30 CHORAL GROUP 26 Yom Ha Atzma ut 10:00 Current Events in Israel with Eli Feller 2:00 Exodus Movie Part 1 8:00 Building Safety with Terrence Roselle 27 9:00 SHOPRITE 10:00 SHOPRITE 1:00 ONEG SHABBAT 28 9:00 AM SHABBAT SERVICE 11:00 AM KIDDUSH 7:00 MOVIE 29 11:00 BRUNCH 2:00 MOVIE 30 10:00 Schmoozing w Shaina 10:15 TOWN BUS 11:00 TAI CHI 1:30 Move Today 2:00 Exodus Movie Part 2 2:30 Reminiscing with Marnie 7:45 BINGO